Qass 
Book 




VfosrCi? 



THE HISTORY OF 

PETERSBURG, N. J 



Published by 

H. STANLEY CRAIG 



I9I3 

THE HERALD PRESS 

TUCXAHOE, N.-J. 



PUBLISHER'S NOTE 

In the following pages it ha> been our aim to give 
Avithin moderate limits an account of the principal event> 
in the history of the village of Petersburg. \Ve do not 
flatter ourselves that the vvork has been perfectly done, 
but as much as could be obtained from imperfect records, 
and that which has come from various other sources has 
been recorded. 

We wish to thank the people of Petersburg a^^d vicin- 
ity for their hearty and unanimous support, which ha.s 
made possible the success ot thi> enterprise. 

The Publisher. 



THE ABORIGINES 



The first inhabitants of South Jersey, so far as history 
reveals, were Indians, the Lenni-Lenape or Dalaware 
branch of the Algonquins, whose home was originally in 
Ottawa, and wliose last king, Nummy, is buried on 
Nummy Island, near Hereford Inlet. It is said that 
after his death ail the Indians in this part of the country 
migrated to the banks af the Wabash river in Indiana. 
The name of the tribe living in Cape May coiMity was 
the "Kechemechs."* 

The. houses or wigwams were sometimes together in 
towns, but were mostly movable, and occasionally built 
near a spring or other water, according to the conven- 
iences for hunting, fishing, basket-making, or other 
business of that sort, and were built with poles laid on 
forked sticks set in the ground, with bark, flags, or 
bushes on the top and sides, with an opening to the 
South, their fire in the middle. Their clothing was a 
coarse blanket or skin thrown over the shoulder, which 
covered to the knee, and a piece of the same tied around 
their legs, with part'of a deer-skin sewed round their 
feet for shoes.! 

They long remembered kindnesses and seldom forgot 
to be grateful where benefits had been received, and on 
many occasions gave irrefragable proofs cf liberality of 
sentiment, hospitality of action and impressions that 
seemed to promise a continuation of better things. t 

]>uring the dominion of the Dutch, hostile relations 

*Stevens' History of Cape May County. t Barber & 
Howe's Historical Collections of New Jersey. 



6 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J.. 

existed on two or three occasions. In 1630, thirty-two 
men were killed on the Delaware by the Indians, and 
they, refusing to surrendier the authors of the crimes, 
brought on hostilities. In 1664 peace was permanently 
restored. 

In 1755 a serious xjutbreak occurred. In 1758 a con- 
ference took place at Burlington with representatives 
from the several tribes, w^hich resulted in another con- 
ference being held at Kaston, Pa., at the request of the 
Irmians; that being, as they termed it, "the place of the 
old council fire," w^here amicable relations were restored 
which remained undisturbed for several years.* 

In 1757 an act was passed by legislature appropriating 
^1600 for the purchase of Indian claims; but the Indians 
living South of the Raritan preferred receiving their por- 
tion in land speciallv allotted for their occupancy, and 
harmony appears to have prevailed between the Indians 
and the whites.* 



*Barber & Howe's Historical Collections ©f New Jer- 
sey- 



THE DISCOVERERS-THE PROPRIETORS 



In January, 1609,- the directors of the Dutch East 
India Company contracted with Henry Hudson to fit out 
a vessel of sixty tons burden for a vo/age to India via 
Nova Zembla. He gave hi> crew,, consisting of twenty 
m^n, tie choice of two routes of seeking- the Northwest 
passage, but storms interfered and they w^ere driven 
Southwest and in July reached Newfoundland,, and 
sailed thence down the coast of Maine. Reaching Cape 
Cod, he named it New Holland. On August 28th. he 
reached the coast of Maryland, and, moving Northward 
along the shore, he entered the Delaware bay on August 
29th, and coasted along New Jersey's shore. On Sep- 
tember 3d, he passed Sandy Hook and anchored in New 
York bay. Sailing up the Hudson river as far as Troy, 
he found the river too shallow to proceed farther, and on 
September 23d,. he returned Southward au'i on October 
4th, sailed out from Sandy Hook for Dartmouth, Eng- 
land,, where he arrived on November 7th. Here he was 
detained for a time by th^ English, finally arriving at 
Amsterdam in July, 1610:* 

In 1612 five ships were despatched for further explor- 
ation and trade. Among the officers of these were 
Henry Christiansen, Adriaen Block and Cornelius 
Jacobson May. Captain May, whose vessel had been 
fitted out at Hoorn, Holland, explored the Southern 
coast of Long Island, w^hich he found to be twenty-fiVe 
Dutch miles in length. He also sailed along the coaist of 
New Jersey, and he or later Dutchmen named Cape May. 



"'Romance of Discovery," by Wm. Elliot Griffis. 

7 



8 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

In 1615 Captain Cornelius Hendrickson, in the ship 
"Restless," sailed along the coast of New Jersey, giving' 
the name "Eyerhaven" (haven of eggs) to what is now 
called Egg Harbor. 

Upon these various voyages Holland set up her claim 
to the country which she named "New Netherlands," 
extending from Cape Cod to Cape Henlopen.* 

In 1629 the Southern part of New Netherlands was 
granted to two Dutch patrons named Godyn and Blom- 
ert, but they made no attempt to settle the country. 

The En rlish crown had never recognized the claims of 
the Dutch to the country, and an armament in ccmmand 
of Richard Nicolls was sent out, and he demanded of 
Governor Stuyvesant the surrender of the country. The 
Dutch chose to save their hemes rather than to risk 
losing them in war, and on September 8, 1664, N*rw 
Amsterdam was surrendered and the New Netherlands 
ceased to exist. 

In 1664, King Charles II made a grant of the country 
as far south as the Delaware to his brother, James, Duke 
of York. The latter granted the province between the 
Hudson and the Delaware ri\ers to Lord Berkeley and 
Sir. George Carteret. In honor of the latter, who was 
governor of the Isle of Jersey, this American domain was^ 
named New Jersey. 

Berkeley and Carteret at first held the property jointly^ 
but later Berkeley sold his share to Edward Billinge,. 
vho found it necessary to assign for the benefit of his 
creditors. William Penn was one of the -.ssignees, and 
the State was held jointly by Carteret and Penn a& 
agents for Billinge. It was mutually agreed by Car- 
teret and Penn to separate the country into East and 
West Jersey, Penn and his aosociates receiving the latter. 



Ridpath's History of the United States. 



THE DISCOVERERS---THE PROPRIETORS 9 

In 1687 Dr. Coxe, of London, who had already be' 
come a large land-holder, purchased of the he.rs of Bil- 
linge their interests in the soil and government. In 
1688, he also having become an acknowledged West 
Jersey Proprietor, purchased 90,000 acres of land' in 
Cape May County. In 1691 he made an agreement with 
a body of forty-eight persons, designated as the West 
Jerjiey Society, to sell his property, and the following 
year it was conveyed to them for the sum of ^9C,000, 
This societ}', through their agents, continued to make 
sales of land until 1756. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



A trading station had been established at Bergen in 
1618, but the first permanent settlement was made at 
Elizabethtown in 1664. In 1623 Fort Nassau vva^ b*ilt 
where Timber Creek empties into the Delaware River, 
by Captain May, and he was made governor of New 
Netherlands. The fort was soon abandoned, however, 
and his company returned to Holland. 

In the early days of the Colony, the wild coast, from 
Sandy Hook to Cape May was uninhabited, save by iso= 
lated and often temporary settlements of beach men. 
Until well within the eighteenth century pirates lay at 
the entrance of the Delaware Bay and off Sandy Hook. 
The first settlement of the seashore front of Cape May 
County was due to the shad fisheries. Cattle raising was 
an important industry in the early days of the county.* 

Colonists from New England and Long Island came 
to Cape May as early as 1638, as is shown by a deed 
recording a purchase of land from the Indians by Capt. 
Nathaniel Turner, which bears the date of November 
24th, 1638. 

In 1691 Cape May was beginning to settle very fast; 
seemed to hold out good advantages to the adventurer. t 

In November, 1682, Cape May was erected into a 
county, "being a place well situate for trade," its 
boundaries including the present Maurice River Town- 
ship in Cumberland and the southwest portion of the 
modern Atlantic County. 



*I,ee'sNew Jersey as a Colony and as a State. Ex" 
tract from Journal of Aaron Leaming. 

10 



EARI.Y SETTLEMENT 11 

Daniel Leeds in his "Almanack" for the year 1701 
says: 

"The freeholders in Cape May County in September, 
1699 were seventy." 

In 1726 there were in Cape May County: White 
males above sixteen years of age, 209; females, do., 156; 
white males under sixteen years of age, 148; females, 
do., 141; total whices, 654; colored males above sixteen 
years of age, 8; females, do., 5; colored males under 
sixteen 3^ears of age, 1; females, do., 0; total colored, 
14. Total number of inhabitants, 668.* 



*Extract from letter of Gov. Burnet, in Colonial 
Documents, Archives of New Jersey, Vol. V. 



THE YOUNG FAMILY* 



Henry Young, the first of the name in the county, 
was an Englishman. "He was impressed, when very 
young, on a man-of.war, from which he made his escape 
to a vessel bound to Philadelphia. Here, to elude pur- 
suit, he was secreted in a hogshead in the hold of the 
vessel, and as soon as they got to sea, he was released, 
but not until nearly exhausted for want of fresh air." 
(Quotation from Stevens' Historv of Cape I\Iav' County, 
which agrees, in the main, with the family tradition re- 
garding him.) 

After landing in this country, he made his way to 
Long Island, where he associated himself with the 
whalers residing there. With these men, he made whal- 
ing vo^^ages to Cape May, the party making their head- 
quarters at the whaling vSettlement of "Ca[)e Town," 
or ''Town Bank." 

The old Cape May County records, on file in the Sec 
retary's office at Trenton, gfve the name of Henr}^ Young 
as one of those "know^n to be whalers," who came to 
Cape May prior to 1700, His name does not appear in 
the list of those who located land prior to 1700, and it 
seems probable that he did net permanently settle in the 
county until about 1707, in which ye-ar his * 'ear-mark" 
for branding cattle was recorded. 

His property, or i^lantation, as it was then styled, was 
located where the Palermo station of the Reading Railway 
now stands, and extended in a westerly direction to Cedar 
Swamp Creek, within the present limits of Petersburg, 



* Written by Ray Wynn. 



12 



THE VOUNG FAMILY 13 

Henry Young was a man of considerable education, as 
is evinced b\^ certain of his papers which are still in ex- 
istence and by the various positions of responsibility 
which he helu under the Colonial Government and the 
West Jersey Society. 

He was King's (or Co.ony) Surveyor in 1716, Deputy 
Surveyor for the West Jersey Society in the years 1727, 
'29, '30, '33, '35, '39, '45, '46 and '50, according to 
surveys and drafts now in the possession of the Young 
family, and, probably in other years as well, as the list 
of drafts and surveys is rather incomplete. It is said 
that he used the mariner's compass in making his sur- 
veys and that he did work upon the old Coxe survey. 
He was Commissioner of the Peace in 1722 and 1733: 
vSheriff, 1722-'23; Loan Ofhcer, 1733-'42, '46-'53 and 
'65; Surrogate, 1741 -'67; Judge of the Court of Cape 
May County, 1722-'67; Member of the New Jersey As- 
sembly, 1730, '33-'40, '44 and '45; Major of Cape May 
and Salem Regiment, Militia of the Province, 1739; Col- 
onel in Militia in "King George's War." 1748; Colonel 
in Regiment of Foot in Canadian Expedition, French 
and Indian War, 1756. He was also a scrivener. Beas- 
ley, in his "Early History of Cape May County," says 
of him: "judge Young was an extensive land-holder. 
He was a surveyor and scrivener; and no one of those 
times was more highly respected, or acted a more prom- 
inent or useful part." 

He was married three times, the names of his first two 
wives being at present unknown; his third wife was 
Phoebe Norton, from the lower part of the county. He 
died April Sth, 1767. and was buried in the family 
burying ground upon his plantation, at what is now 
Palermo. Of this burying ground, w^hich stood back of 
the present school house at Palermo, no trace now re- 
mains^ -the wooden and stone markers having rotted 



14 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 

away or been removed. 

So far as can be ascertained from the old records, he 
had the following children: Abigail, married Joseph 
Ludlam; Phoebe, married William Robinson; Deborah, 
married first, Cornelius Hand, second, Jeremiah Hand, 

third, Clement Daniels; Stephen, married Anne ; 

Job, married Mary Norton; Henry, 2d, married Millicent 
Townsend; Tabitha, married John Townsend; Uriah, 
married Rachel Griffing; Elizabeth, married Col. John 
^lackev; Millicent, single, 

Henry Young, 2d, born March 5th, 1746, inherited, 
among other things, the tract fronting upon the Cedar 
Swamp Creek between the mouth of Sluice Creek crd a 
>mall creek ]»elow the present Upper Bridge, and ex- 
tending iu an easterly direction to the Butter and Old 
Landing roads. Here, at no great distance from the 
road leading from the Lower to the Upper Bridge across 
Cedar Swamp Creek, he built himself a house, of which 
at the present day, nothing but the cellar remains. 

He served during the Revolutionary war, being an 
Knsign in Capt. James Willets Jr.'s Company, Cape 
May Battalion, New Jersey Militia. 

He died November 6th, 1795, at the old homestead 
near Sluice Creek, and is buried in the Young family 
burying ground upon the place now owned by William 
Tyler. His wife was Millicent Townsend, daughter of 
Samuel Townsend, and is buried beside him. 

Their children were: Seth, married Martha Steelman; 
Samuel Townsend, married Olive Pedrick; Henry, 3d,, 
married Whilamina Pedrick; Alexander, married Abi- 
gail VanGilder; Stephen married Millicent Badcock; 
Millicent, married John Stites. 

Upon the death of Henry Young, 2d, his property 
was divided into six portions. His son, Stephen, born 
October 13th, 1780, inherited the old homestead near 



THE YOUNG FAMILY 15 

Sluice Creek, and lived there from the time of his mar- 
riage until about 1812 or 1813, at which time he built a 
house at the Lower Bridge, where he had for some years 
conducted a ship3^ard --.nd a general store; the former 
being located upon the east side of Cedar Swamp Creek, 
a short distance below the Lower Bridge, and the latter 
at the eastern end of the bridge. The original store is 
the kitchen of the present house. At the time that 
Stephen Young moved from the property on Sluice 
Creek to the Lower Bridge, he built a new store, now 
used as a cottage rpon the property, and standing beside 
the wharf. He also built a house in front of tlie old 
store. Later, when the needs of his family required it, 
he built the eastern wing of the hou-e as it now stands. 

He was an extensive builder of vessels and for many 
years conducted a trade with the West Indies, using his 
own schooners to carry it on. The hull of one of his 
vessels, the '-Niagara." still lies upon the west bank of 
the creek, a short distance below the Lower Bridge. 

In his youncer days Stephen Young was a sea captain. 
He held a number of public positions: Member of the 
Board of Freeholders, 1823, '29-'33, '45, '47-'49 
?nd '54; Justice of the Peace, 1814-'25, Judge of the 
Inferior Court of Common Pleas, 1847; Postmaster at 
Petersburg, or Littleworth as it was then called, on two 
separate occasions previous to 1856, at which time he 
was succeeded in office by Peter Corson. He served in 
the War of 1812-15, in the Militia of Cape May County, 
in defense of the seacoast. 

He died October 16th, 1857, at the Lower Bridge. 
His wife, who was Millicent, daughter of Joseph Bad- 
cock, died November 30th, 1865. Both are buried in 
the Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, N. J. 

They had the following children. Sarah, married 
Joshua Swain, Jr.; Phoebe, married Benjamin I. Wynn; 



16 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, X. J. 

Millicent, married Lewis P. Kinsey; Reuben, married 
Emma Corson; Joseph, married Harriet B. Whales; 
Henry, married Jane S. Towusend; Rachel, single, 
Eleanor, single; and Eliza, single. 

Of these children, Reuben, born October 26th, 1803, 
lived upon the property at Cedar Springs, now owned 
and occupied by Miss Sallie B. Young, until his death, 
which occurred February 2d, 1842. He was killed by a 
falling log in the saw mill which then stood upon the 
Mackey place, now the residence of Miss Millicent 
Young. His family afterward moved to Middletown. 
He is buried in the Seaside Cemetery at Palermo. 

Joseph Young, born December 1st, 1807, succeeded 
his brother, Reuben, upon the property at Cedar Springs. 
He died June 10th, 1889. His wife died October 27th. 
1889, Both are buried in the Seaside Cemetary. 

They had six children: PMmund L. B. W., married 
first Mary Smith, second lUizabeth Rand; Bentley W., 
married Judith Morris; Howard married Levisa Smith; 
Josephine, married David Cresswell; Sarah B., single; 
Mary E. single. 

Bentley W. and Sarah B. Young lived upon the old 
place. Bentley W.Young died November 2d, 1907, and 
is buried in Petersburg Churchyard. 

Henry Young, born February 16th, 1813, located 
upon the Mackey place, where he died March 4th, 1890. 
His wife died January 7th, 1899. Both are buried at 
Calvary Cemetery, Ocean View, N. J. They had two 
children: Stephen T., and Millicent. 

Stephen T. (1840-1912), son of Henry and Jane S. 
Young, married Margaret Reed, and had three child- 
ren: Harriet, died in infancy; Henry, married Han- 
nah Endicott; Rachel, married William Loughlin, and 
has three children, William, Margaret and Robert. 

The Young family have been property owners in 



THE YOUNG FAMILY 17 

Petersburg from a date prior to the settlement of the 
jjlace, down to the present day, and residents for nearly 
as long a period, their having been six generations of 
them in a direct line of descent. 

The original Young plantation came down to the 
eastern bank of Cedar Swamp Creek. As previously 
stated, Henry Young, 2d, inherited a portion of this 
})ro:jerty, his half-brother, Job Young, and his half- 
sister, Tabitha, who married John fownsend, inheriting 
the rest. The western limit of Job Young's property 
was about where the present Upper Bridge over Cedar 
Swamp Creek stands. So far as is known, the property 
inherited by Tabitha Townsend did not come within the 
limits of Petersburg. 

Seth, a son of Henry Young. 2d, lived for several 
years upon the property now belonging to William 
Tvler. He afterward moved to the Shore Road, where 
he lived in the house occupied by Smith Marshall, a 
Palermo. 

Samuel Townsend Young, Seth's brother, also lived 
unon the T34er place, afterward moving to the vicinity 
of Palermo. He was killed by a runaway team upon 
the Shore Road. 

It is said that Henry Young, M, another brother of 
Seth. lived for a time upon the place, afterward moving 
to Middletown. He was killed in a runaway accident 
upon the Tuckahoe road above Petersburg. 

Seth Young, Snnue. T. Young and Henry Young, 
3d, are buried in the old Young burying ground upon 
the Tyler place. The wives of the last two named are 
buried in the Methodist churchyard at Marmora, both 
of them, according to family tradition, being opposed 
to l^eing "buried in the open fields." 

Both Joseph and Henry, sons of Stephen Young, were 
sea captains in their earlier days. After quitting the 



18 the: history of PETERSBURG, N. J. 

sea, they farmed extensively, and Henry was also 
interested in the manufacture of brick, having a yard 
for that purpose upon the Mackey place. 



THE MACKEY FAMILY' 



Among the more prominent of the old families of 
Petersburg was the Mackey family, now extinct in the 
direct line. 

John Mackey, the first of the name in the county was 
a Quaker, of Irish, or Scoch=Irish descent, He came 
between the years 1740 and 1745, and after several years 
spent in the southern end of the county, in the vicinity 
of Cape May Court House, located upon what is now 
known as the Mackey place, in Petersburg. 

According to the New Jerse^^ Archives, he married, 
on April 25th, 1746, Klizabeth, daughter of Judge 
Henry Young. He became an extensive landholder, 
and, so far as known, occupied the following public 
positions: Freeholder; 1764; Just.ce of the Peace, 1767; 
Justice of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, 1773; 
Lieutenant Colonel, Cape May County Militia, 1771. 
In 1777 he was elected by the people Colonel of the 
Cape May County Regiment, and probably served with 
the battalion Jn the battle of Germantown. He resigned 
his commission fn March, 1778, being succeeded by 
Colonel I 'Nicholas Stfllwell. He was Commissioner of 
the Peace in 1777, 

Colonel Mackey's wife died suddenly of heart disease, 
sometime prior to 1784. The Colonel died in Septem- 
ber, 1784. Both himself and wife were buried in the 
family burying ground upon the Mackey place. 

Until quite recently the place of their burial was in 
doubt; but through the researches of the late Dr. Zelo- 



* Written by Ray Wyan, 



19 



20 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 

pherd Hand, of Montclair, N. J., a descendant of the 
Colonel, it was definitely shown that it could only be 
upon the Mackey place. At that time it became known 
that Mr. Stephen T. Young had discovered what ap- 
peared to be a gravestone, while plowing in one of the 
lower fields some twelve years before. In the fall of 
1910 an effort was made to locate this stone and it was 
finally found. In the spring of 1911 another stone, e^ i- 
dently the marker of the grave of Mrs. Mackey was 
found within a few feet of the first one. The stones 
had either fallen, or had been turned down and plowed 
under ])y someone who was cultivating the field. The 
burying ground is located southeast of the present house 
near the edge of the woods. in accordance with the 
Friends' custom, the stones are plain markers with no 
lettering upon them. They are irregularly triangular 
in shape and roughly hewn from the quartz rock which 
is more or less common in that section. 

Colonel Mackey and his wife had six children: Abi- 
gail, married Captain James Willets; Martha, married 
Darius Corson; Tabitha, married Captain Hope Willets; 
Phoebe, married first, Joseph Badcock, second, Joseph 
Corson; Elizabeth, married Henry, son of Job and M?ry 
Young, and grandson of Judge Young; John, married 
Elizabeth 

John Mackey, Jr., born 1764, died Deceml)er 13th, 
1837, inherited all of the Mackey property in Cape 
Ma^ County, including the plantation of 74C acres, 
known as the Mackey place. He never added to his 
possessions, but was repeatedly selling his property in 
order to raise ready mon<'y. A short time before his 
death, he conveyed the last of his property to Thomas 
Williams, of Tuckahoe, in return for ''the comfortable 
support of the said John Mackey for and during his 
natural life." From this it can only be inferred that he 



THE MACKEY FAMILY 21 

led a life of idleness and ease. His life of self-indulgence 
and lack of initiative leads to the conclusion that he was 
not a tower of strength in time of distress. (Note.--- 
The above is taken from data collected by Dr. Hand. ) 
Both John Mackey and his wife were buried in the 
Aetna Cemetery, at the Head of the River. 

John Mackey, Jr., had three children: Elizabeth, 
married John Williams, of Tuckahoe; Sarah, married 
Joseph Corson: John, 3d, according to Dr. Hand, died 
without issue. 

Of Abig--.il, Martha Elizabeth and Tabitha Mackey. 
daughters of Colonel John Mackey, but little is known. 

Phoebe Mackey, daughter of the Colonel; who mar- 
ried as her first husband, Joseph Badcock, lived in a 
house which stood about where the Butter Road joins 
the road leading from the Lower Bridge to Marmora. 
The house has long since disappeared. 

Joseph Badcock was the grandson of Joseph Badcock, 
who came to Cape May County and purchased land of 
the Company in London in or about 1691; and who died 
about 1709- '10. He served as a private in Captain 
James Willets, Jr's., company of the Cape May County 
Battalion, New Jersey Militia. He was afterward lost 
at sea and his widow married Joseph Cor>on, by whom 
she had six children, four sons and two daughters. By 
her first marriage with Joseph Badcock, she had two 
daughters, one of whom, Millicent, married Stephen 
Young, of the Lower Bridge. 

In connection with the old Mackey plantation, there 
is an interesting note in Jacob Spicer's diary, under 
date of February 22, 1757: "John Mackey's house is 
40x20, single story, with hip, for which Joseph Edwards 
is to get the timber, frame, cover, make the window 
frames, sashes, put in the lights, make the outside doors 
and lay'the floors for ^16, and find himself and work- 



22 THE HIvSTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

men. Mackey to fird the lath sawed and shingle fit for 
covering." This house stood to the northeast of the 
present house upon the Mackey place and faced south. 

The Mackey place was sold to Smith Hand, and after 
Ills death it came into the possession of Charles Hand, 
of whom it was purchased by Stephen Young, of the 
Lower Bridge. At the latter's death it was divided 
among certain of his heirs. 

The John Mackey house was burned in midwinter, 
;''^d the occupants, the family of Willets Wheaton, were 
co:npelled to seek shelter as best they could. The 
central portion of the present house stood back of the 
])resent site, and when the front part was built in 1840 
it was erected in the middle of a wheat field, and the 
okl house, which stood at some distance was moved up 
to it. The brick, excepting those used in the front 
wall, was burned upon the place, and the master mason, 
John Bnrl<er, who laid from 2,500 to 3,000 per day, 
received eighty-five cents for a day's \vork. Later, the 
rear part of the house was added iDy Henry Young.* 



'Stephen T. Young. 



THE VAN GILDER FAMILY^ 



Some centuries ago there \va> in the Netherlands a 
province called Gelderland, and it is thought that the 
people who went from that province came to be called 
by it, "van" indicating from. The name of this familv 
appears in various spellings: Van Gelder, van Gelder, 
Van Guilder and VanGilder, tlie latter spelling being 
now the more generally used. 

The VanGilders, four brothers, came to America with 
the VanRensaeleers, John settling in New York, then 
called New Amsterdam, and was among those who 
in about 1674 owned houses and lots on the 
present east side of Broadway, between Beaver and Wall 
Street, then known as a part of Marketfield and Broad- 
way,! which he purchased of Adam Oucleburgh bet vveen 
the years 1665 and 1672. t Gerrit VanGekier also seems 
to have settled in New York, and was a member of the 
Dutch church, he living on Parel Straat (Pearl Street), 
between State and Whitehall Streets. Abraham settled 
at Kaatsbaan. in Ulster County, New York; and on the 
records of the church cf Kaatsbaan appears the birth o^ 
a child, Aalye, April 14, 1698. Another brother settled 
near where the city of Albany now stands previous to 
1683. 

John and Abraham VanGilder, probably sons of John 
VanGiider, of New York, with their families, left Long 

^Written largely from data given by Benjamin Weath- 
erbv and Miss Sara VanGilder. tValentine's Historv 
of the City of New York. jYear Book of the Holland 
Society. • 

23 



24 THE HISTORY OF PETERvSBURG, N. J. 

I-^lan(i* in a sloop, and sailing down the coast as far as 
Great KgR Harbor Inlet, came np what is now known 
as the Tuckahoe River and the Cedar Swamp Creek. 
When they got as far as Half-Way Creek, night overtak- 
ing- they anchored; and there the first VanGilder was 
born in the count\'. They then came np as far as what 
was known in earh^ iiays as "Fast Landing." That 
Ir.nd not suiting them, they went up to the farm lately 
owned bv Rev. James Vansant, now the propetry of 
Mrs. William Margescn, where they built a cave and 
with their families lived in it. They bought land of 
the West Jersev Society, and commenced to clear it up. 
Abraham made the remark, "this land is of little 
worth," heice the place was called "Littleworth." 

Abraham built a log house and lived where he first 
settled. He left two sons, Dsvid and Ezekiel. 

David, son of Abraham VanGilder, married Ann, 
daughte- of William Shav\% aiid built on the farm now 
ownel by vSomers Sack. He had three sons, Amasa, 
Tvzekiel and Cornelius. The latter married Elizabeth 
Tneersoll and died young, leaving one son, Cornelius. 

John VanGilder, the ancestor of all by that name now 
living in Cap 2 Mav Countv, \y.n\t a log house on the 
property now ovned bv^ the Petersburg Development 
Company. He owned a large tract of land and also 
located several lar^e tracts of cedar swamp, which he 
also bought of the W^e^t Jerse3' Society. We have no 
means of knowing the date of his death, but he was 



*Tradition says both John and Abraham \"anGilder 
were married before coming to this section, and there is 
record of Abraham's marriage in 1737. There is also a 
record of a purchase of land by John VanGilder in 1748. 
This would seem to place their coming at sometime be- 
tween these dates. 



THK VAN GIT.DKR FAMII.Y ^D 

buried in the tamily burying ground on the farm of H. 
P, Mickel. His will bears the date of October 8, 1772.* 
He had four sons and one daughter: John, Abraham, 
Isaac, Jeremiah and Naamah, who married first James 
Mickel, second, Ben a j ah Tomlin. 

John, son of John VanGilder, married Hannah Scull. 
While in tlie woods he met with an accident which re- 
sulted in his death. So far as is known, he left no de- 
scendants. His will, made February 2d, 1799 and 
proved the 9th of April following, mentions his brothers, 
Abraham and Isaac, and his nephews, James and Robert 
Mickel, and John, Jr., and Isaac VanGilder. The latter 
two are named as executors. 

Abraham, son of John VanGilder, was a member of 
the vSecond Company Cape May Battalion of Milit.a in 
the Revolutionary War. He married first, Martha 
Hand, second, Mary Alcuit. He sold his property and 
migrated to the ' West. Some of his descendants now 
live in the State of Illinois. 

Jeremiah, son of John VanGilder, served in the Sec- 
ond Company of Cape May Militia in the Revolutionary 
War. He married Sarah Bishop", and so far as is known 
had no children. 

Isaac, son of John VanGilder, built on the land lately 
owned by the heirs of Willis Young. He was in 1777 a 
member of the vSecond Company of the Cape May Bat- 
talion of Militia His wife's name was Mary 

He left four sons: John, Kzekiel, Isaac, and a fourth 
who was killed while felling timber in the cedar swamp. 

John, 1771-1826, son of Isaac VanGilder, married 
Lydia, 1774-1850, daughter of Th(mias French, in 1794. 
He was a man of energy, and accumulated a great deal 



*Referred to in deed, Jeremiah VanGilder, grantor, 
Peter Corson, grantee, 1787. 



26 THE HISTORY OF PnTERSBURG, N. J. 

of land. He made a business of getting out cedar lum- 
ber and hauling" to Dennis Creek, and vvas instrumental 
in building the bank over Cedar Swamp Creek. He had 
five children; John, 1809-1892, was a cripple and never 
married; Hannah; Sarah, 1807-1875. married Daviii 
Williams; Thomas; Letitia, 1795-1864, married Richard 
Weatherby, 

Hannah, 1799-1845, daughter of John VanGildcr, 3d. 
married James Smith, 1797-1888, and lived on the 
Madara place. Their children were, Jeremiah, Frank, 
Hannah Ann, married first, Enoch Williams, second, 
Manluff Williams; Sarah Jane, married Captain Frank 
Gandy, of the Shore Road: Adelaide, married Captain 
Benjamin Gandy, of Tuckahoe; Lewis, married Adelaide 
Vouner, and lived at Tuckahoe after his marriage. 

Thomas, 1803-1879. son of John VanGilder, 3d, was 
vSheriff of Cape May County, 1841-4; Freeholder, 1846- 
53. He married first. Sarah Garwood, sscond, Mary 
Garwood, her sister, and had seven children: Thaddeus. 
Thomas I., Emeline, married Anthony Steelman; Anna, 
married Townsend Young; Leonora, married first, James 
Johnson, second, Henry Rittenhouse; John S. married 
Mary Gandy. 

Thaddeus, 1831-1881, son of Thomas VanGilder, 
married Hannah Hand. Their children are William R., 
Sarah Ann, married Hon. John Huffman; Cora, married 
Edmund Bennett. 

William R.. son of Thaddeus VanGilder married Eva 
S. Corson, and has three children: Sophie, deceased; 
Thaddeus, married Julia Bai:e\-, and has one son, Bur- 
rows; and W. RoUand. 

Isaac, son of Isaac VanGilder, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jacob Willits in 1799. He was First Ser- 
geant in the Cape Mav Independent Infantry in 1814-15. 
His children were: Washington, Abigail and Mary. 



THE VAX GILDER FAMILY. 27 

Washington, 1806-1847 son of Isaac VanGilder, Jr., 
niarned Amy, daughter of James IMickel, and had five 
children: Ruth. Millicent, Aaron, Learning and Eliza. 

L-c:ming, 1836-1897 ,son of Washington VanGilder, 
married Serena Ford, 1837-1903. and had three children: 
Washington, Esther, married Roland Corson; x\my, 
m.irried Winton Smith. 

Washington, son of Learning VanGilder, married 
Allie Hess. Their children are: Floyd, Ralph, Eliza, 
Roger, deceased; and Helen. 

Mary, daughter- of Isaac VanGilder, Jr., married 
Jam2.- Williams. 

Abigail, daughter of Isaac VanGilder, married Alex- 
ander Young, and had seven children: Elizabeth, Milli- 
cent, Ruth, Henry Jr., married Roxanna Gandy; Willis, 
married Arabella Town^endj Louvisa. married Edgar 
vSmith. 

Willis, son of Alexander and Abigail (VanGilder) 
Young, married Arabella Townsend. Their children 
were: Washington, married Mattie Shaw: Martha, mar- 
ried James W. Brown; Mary, married Lilburn Hess; 
Almira, married Frank Sharp; Lillian, married Carl 
Pickens. 

Ezekiel. 1771-1850, son of Isaac VanGilder, 1st, mar- 
ried Mary Chapman, 1782-1850. Their children were: 
Roxanna, b 1804; Warren, b 1805; Amy, b 1807, married 
John Voss; Thompson, b 1809; Levi, Mary, b 1816; 
Isaac, Caroline, married Edward Voss; and David. 
. David, son of Ezekiel \'anGilder, married Mary 
Cresse. Their children were: Elena, married William 
Mounce; Theophilus, married Lucy Bowen; Elizabeth, 
married Harry Kraft; Clara, married Harry Corson; 
Medora, married Edgar Voss; David, married Eugenia 
Farson; and Amelia and Victorinne, who died in in- 
fancy. 



28 TIIK HI.STORV OF PKTKRSBURG, N, J. 

Isaac, son of Kzekiel VanGilder, married Mar/ Ros- 
ena Blake and had one daughter, Anna, who married 
Somers Sack. They 'have three sons: Clarence married 
Alda Lee; Raymond, married Lillian Ingersoll; and 
Willard. 

Caroline, dan^ditcr of ICzekiel VanGilder, married 
Kdward Voss and had four children: Mary, married 
Thomas Ross; Kdgar, married ]\Iedora VanGilder, and 
has two children, Caroline and Walter; John married 
Elizabeth Miller; Richard, married first, I'"!lizabeth 
Camp; second Ivmma Kurk. 

Levi, 1812-1869, son of I<>.ckieh \^anGilder, married 
Li via Corson, 1817-1881. Their children were Frank- 
lin, lunma, married Jolm \\\ (Vandy; Peter C, I{z?kiel, 
Priscilla. 

Franklin. 1839-1898, son of Levi VanGilder. nu-rried 
M.'.ry Ann Treen. TlKir children were: Frank. Hattie, 
Corrina and Livia. The latter two are deceased. 

Peter C, son of Levi VanGilder, married Deborah 
Cxodfrey: Their children are: Sara S, Bertha, married 
Robert C. vSmith; Levi, married Martha Flitch; and Tvthel. 

Ivzekicl. son of Levi \'anGilder, married Rache^. U, 
Mlckel. Their chihlren are Florence, deceased; Irene, 
PvOdney, married Kleanor Gandy; Leroy, married first, 
Cornelia Creamer, second, ICxperience Buzby. 

Priscilla. dang-hter of Levi VanGilder, married Wil- 
liam Westcott, They have two children, Li\ia and 
Milton, 



THE CORSON FAMILY 



"Who was the hero? you inquire; 

Your Jersey ancestor, son 
Descended from Holland sire. 

The eldest Jacob Corson, 
Who crossed Old Ocean's mile and mile 

In sixteen thirty-four, son; 
With household goods to Manhattan's Isle 

And begat Nicholas Corson, 
Who raised two sons to share his toil, 

And they went to explore, son. 
Discovered Seaville's sandy soil. 

Bold John and Peter Corson. t 

According to the Year Book of the Holland Society, 
"Pieter Corsen, of Breuckelen (Brooklyn), native, was 
among those who took the 'oath of allegiance in King's 
County, in the Province of New York, the 26th, 27th. 
28th and 29th of September, in the year of His Majesty's 
reign; Annoque Dominie 1687.' " 

Peter and John Corson came from Long Island in a 
whale boat. They, becoming disgusted at the carrousal 
of those on board, in their own language, "could not 
stand such goings on," therefore embarked in a yawl 
boat when off the coast of New Jersey, and landed in 
Cape May County, at what is kno\vn as Cellar's Creek 



* Written from data given by Miss Victoria Corson, 
Miss Sarah Corson, Miss Sara VanGilder and others, 
t Extract from report of Hope Corson Family reunion, 
published .in Cape May County Gazette, Dec. 15, 1905. 

29 ' 



30 THE HIvSTORY OF PETERSBURCx, N. J. 

(so named from the remains of their old cellar), at 
Palermo, and lived one winter on the farm of the late 
Rol)ert R. Corson, and later purchased land in that 
vi.^'nity 



The Peter Corson Branch 

In 1695 Peter Corson purchased 400 acres of land of 
Jeremiah Basse, agent for the West Jersey Society, situ- 
ated near where the Seaville station of the Reading 
Railroad row stands. He was a member of the Assem- 
bly in 1707-'8. He had two sons, Christian and Peter, 
and a daughter. Al)igail, who married Shamgar Hand, 

Christian, son of Peter Corson, had four sons: An- 
drew, John, Christian, and Joseph. 

Christian, son of Christian Corson, had four sons: 
Abner, Christian, Peter and Nathan. 

Feter son of Christian Corson, Jr., had five sons: 
Darius, Jesse, Levi, Rem and Peter 3d. 

Peter, son of Peter Corson, Jr., liad four sons: James, 
John, Henry and Constantine, who married lulith, 
daughter of Samuel Townsend, Sr. 

Joseph, son of Christian Corson, was born in 1716 
and died in 1793. On January 22, 1759, he married 
Rachel Corson, and they had three sons: Parmenas, 
Amos, who died in infancy, and Joseph, Jr. 

In 1744 he purchased of the West Jersey Society, 145 
acres of land adjoining Isaac Bauer and' Henry Younu, 
and in the same year he purcha>ed of the Society 390 
acres on the northwest side of the Cedar Swamp Creek, 
adjoining John VanGilder, it including part of the 
Westcott property and the Madara and Kntrikin places. 
His w.ll, made March 19. 1793, mentions his sons, Par- 



THE CORSON FAMILU 31 

menas, to whom he left the homestead among other 
properties, and Joseph, to whom he left the property at 
the Lower Bridge, and also that lying on the northwest 
side of Cedar Swamp Creek. His will also mentions his 
wife, Rachel, his grandfather, Peter Corson, and land 
"adjoining Peter Corson, Jr." 

In 1745 he was a Grand Juror; in 1762 he, with 
others, petitioned Legislature for a toll bridge over 
Cedar Swamp Creek at Fast Landing, now called the 
Lower Bridge. The same year he was commissioned 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; in 1767 was made 
a Justice of the Peace, and in 1775 he was a member of 
the Committee of Safety. 

Parmenas, son of Joseph Corson, was born in 1760 
and died in 181-3. He served in Capt. James Willits, 
Jr.'s company, the Second Cape May Battalion, in the 
Revolutionary War; w^as a member of the Governor's 
Council in 1796-'99, 1801-'C5; Justice of the Peace, 
1796-1801; Freeholder, 1829-'32 and 1834. He married 
three time>. His first wife was Rachel Willets; his 
second, Roxanna (Griffing) Benezatt (1774-1806); his 
third, Rachel Corson, (1778-1878). His children were: 
Amos (1779-1848), married Hulda Swain; Althea (born 
1784), married Zebulon Townsend; and Albert Griffing. 

x\lbert Griffing, son of Parmenas Corson, married 
Phoebe Corson (d 1830), and had two children: Grif- 
fing and Caroline. 

Griffing, (1828-'92), son of Albert Griffing Corson, 
married Ann Eliza Corson. They had three children: 
Sarah H., Leslie A., married Lydia Thoma>; Ro.<anna, 
married Rev. William Massey. 

Joseph, son of Joseph and Rachel Corson, born Sep- 
tember 6, 1765, died in 1841, lived on what is knov>-n as 
the Swan place at the Lower Bridge, and is buried in 
the Palermo Baptist Cemetery. He w^as appointed 



32 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, X. J. 

Judge of the Inferior Court in 1805, and was Justice of 
the Peace in 1810-,11, and also conducted a shipyard at 
the lyOwer Bridge. He married Phoebe (Mackey) 
widow of Joseph Badcock (1758-1839), and had six 
children: Joseph, 3d; John M., Isaiah, Allen, Sarah and 
Rachel. 

Allen, son of Joseph and Phoebe Corson was commis- 
sioned a Lieutenant in the First Company, Cape May 
Independent Regiment in 1818; Captain of same in 1822, 
and served as Justice of the Peace, 1831-'35. He built 
the house now owned by Miss Victoria Corson. He 
married Sarah Hewttt (1796-1854). Their childrer. 
were: Roxanna (1817-1902), married Joseph Mickel: 
Allen H.; Sarah (1825-1906), man ied William Simpson: 
Alexander, married Caroline Corson; Rachel (l830-'95, 
single; Ann PUiza, married Griffing Corson; Pennington 
(1805- '18); Victoria, single. 

Alh^n H. (1819- '89), son of Allen and Sarah Corson, 
married Maria Corson (1820-'38). Their children were: 
Pennington and Allen. The latter died in infancy. 

Pennington, son of Allen H. and Maria Corson entered 
, the New Jersey M, E, Conference in 1884, and has 
served the following appointments: Port Norris, Sharp- 
town, Elmer, Trenton, Central; Long Branch, First: 
Clayton, Princeton, Ocean City, Bridgeton, Commerce 
Street; Manasquan and Haddonfield. He married 
Sarah Rodan. and has these children. Maria, Alex- 
ander, Allen, Louisa, Caroline, Harris, Pennington and 
Paul. 

Joseph, son of Joseph and Phoebe Corson; born Sep- 
tember 1, 1788, lived on the Swan place until he was 
married, after wdiich he built the house owned by 
William Matthews and lived there. He was lost at sea. 
He married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Edwards. Their 
children were; Joseph, 4th; Ambros (1815-'.S6), Elva, 
Isabel, married Amos Corson; S--.rah Ann. 



THE CORSOX FAMILY 33 

Sarah Ann, (1820- '57), daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
(PMwards) Corson, married Jesse C. Godfrey (1819-41), 
and had one daughter, Cornelia (l841-'82), who mar- 
ried Parmenas Corson (1832-1904), and had four child- 
ren, all of whom live on the Shore Road. 

Klva, son of Joseph and Sarah (Edwards) Corson, 
had a daughter, Caroline, who married Andrew^ Lip- 
pincott. 

Joseph, son of Joseph and Sarah (Edwards) Corson, 
married Ccrnelia Foreman (1827-1908). He is buried 
in Brookhai, N. Y. His wife is buried in Petersburg 
churchyard. Their children were: Cynthia, married 
vSpencer Swan, and Gertrude, married first, RufusBudd, 
second, William Matthews, and has one daughter, 
Cornelia. 

John M., son cf Joseph and Phoebe (Mackey) Cor- 
son, married E.iza Ingersoll. He inherited from his 
father the Entrikin place, where he built the house now 
standing. His children were: John I., Francis, Mary, 
married Richard S. Corson; Horatio, Eliza Ann, mar- 
ried John Foster. In 1846 he sold his property and 
with his family moved to Illinois. 

John I., son of John M. Corson, married 

Frambes. His children were: Experiance, Eliza and 
Fruicis. In 1853 he entered the New Jersey M. E, 
Conference and ser^-ed continuousl}^ until 1893, when 
he took supernumerary relations with the Conference. 
He died March 29, 1899. aged 76 j-ears, and is buried 
in the churchyard at Tuckahoe. 

Isaiah, (1802-'55) , son of Joseph and Phoebe (Mackey) 
Corson, married Tabith- Wheaton and lived on the 
Shore Road. 

Peter, son of Peter Corson, married Deborah 

He served on the Grand Jury in 1745, and took the oath 
of allegiance to the State of New Jersey in 1778. His 



34 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

children were Peter, Cornelius, Jonathan and Elias. 

Cornelius (1757-1815), son of Peter and Deborah 
Corson, was a member of Capt. James Willits, Jr s 
company of Militia in 1778, and served as Justice of the 
Peace in 1802- '11, and was made Judge of the Inferior 
Court in 18C6. He lived in a house which stood 
where the old brick house on the Westcott place 
now stands, which property he purchased of the heirs 
of Samuel Townsend, Jr., in 1801. He married Sarah 

..., (1762-1843), and had seven children: 

Cornelius, Deborah, married Levi Corson; Peter, Sarah 
(1780-1847), married Joshua Garretson; Phcebe, married 
~Eli Stephenson; Rebecca, Kxperiance (1802- '15.) 

Cornelius, son of Cornelius and Sarah Corson, married 
first, Delilah Champion; second, Edith Goafrey, and 
third, Rebecca Corson. He was in 1814-'15 a member 
of the Cape May Independent Regiment and in 1818 
was commissioned Captain of the First Company 

Peter (1795-1873), son of Cornelius and Sarah Coison, 
married first, Sylvia Smith (1795-1863); second Lydia 
Godfrey (1811-1870). His children were: Eivia (1817- 
•'81), married Levi VanGilder, and Cornelius S. (1?1S- 
1824. He built the small brick house on the Vv^eslcctt 
place, and in partnership v.ith Harrison Wctcctl, 
established the corner store. He was Justice ot t'^e 
Peace, 1831-41, and postmaster, 1849, 1853- '65, anl i i 
his honor the name of the villa^^i wis ching^i from 
Eittleworth to Petersburg. 

Rebecca (1791-1853), daughter of Cornelius and Sarah 
Corson, married William Earl and had a son, Peter, and 
a daughter, Rebecca (1827-'9l), who married James 
Homan (1824-'91). 

Elias, son of Peter and Deborah Corson, marrie 1 

Sarah Their children were: Elias ( 1787- 

1852), Ezra (1792-1874), Richard, Martha (1797-1859). 



THE CORSON FAMILY 35 

married William Boon (1794-1879), and Amy. 

Ezra, son of Elias and Sarah Corson, married Hannah 
Steelman (1793-1877). Their children were; Ezra, 
Townsend, Burrows and Elias, who is buriei in Carde- 
nas de Cuba; and Elmina, who married Gilbert Gcdfre^v. 

Burrows, son of Ezra Corson, married Sophie Sniitn. 
Their children were Roland and Eva S., wno married 
William R. VanGilder. 

Elias, son of Elias and Sarah Corson, married Abi- 
gail Steelman (1780-1872), and lived in a house which 
formerly stood adjoining R. C. Smith's residence, and 
which originally stood on the lane between the proper- 
ties of John Lee and Frank Gaudy. He served as 
Justice of the Peace in 1829. Following are the names 
of his children as mentioned in his will; Ezra S, Amy, 
Hannah Miller, Elias, Martha, Richard S., E.vdiaMary, 
married Richard T. Corson; and Tolitha. 

The John Corson Branch 

John Corson married Mietje* Theunis, of Heeren 
Gracht, West Zyde (Broad Street, West Side), New 
York, w^ho was in 1686 a member of the Dutch church 
of that city.t 

He in 1695 purchased 300 acres of land of the West 
Jersey Society, adjoining his brother Peter's property. 
His will, dated January 11, 1721-22, mentions his wife, 
Mary, and the following children: Andrew, Hannah, 

*The sufhx "tje" is possibly the greatest favorite 
among diminutive suffixes in Dutch. ^ "Mie" is the or- 
dinary Dutch for "Mary," and "little Mary" is 
"Mietje." Another form for "Mary" is "Maria," and 
its diminutive is "Maritje." ---Philadelphia Inquirer. 
tYear Book of the Holland Society, 



36 



THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 



Martha and Jacob. The executors of this will were his 
wife and son, Jacob; the witnesses, Peter Corson, David 
Gandy and Nathaniel Jenkins. It was proved May 6, 
1728. The inventory of his personal estate was made 
March 2, 1727-28 by Robert Townsend and John Wil- 
lits. (This will makes no mention of John Corson, Jr., 
but there is record of debts being: paid, Feb. 14, 1714-15, 
to John Corson, Sr.,'and John Corson, Jr., in settlement 
of estate of Abraham Hand.) 

Martha, daug^hter of John and Mary Corson, on 
October 5, 1714, married John Willits. Their children 
were: Isaac, James and Jacob, 

John, son of John and Mar\' Corson, had two sons, 
John, 3d, and Joel. 

John Corson, 3d. had four children: John, 4th, Emiey, 
Samuel and Hannah, The latter married William Hess. 

Kmley, son of John Corson, 3d, married Mary Cram- 
mer, and had two sons: Hezekiah and Emley, Jr. 

Hezekiali, son of Kmley and Mary Cor>on, married 
Mciry Smith. Their children were: Fidelia, married 
Alfred Reeves; Alida, married Allen MacDonald; and 
William, married Amanda Lamb. 

Jacob, son of John and Mary Corson, had three sons; 
Kli, Nicholas and Jacob, 2d. 

Jacob Corson, 2d's children were; Eli, Nicholas, 
Jacob; 3d, and Job. 

Job Corson married Rebecca Edwards. Their child- 
ren were: Jacob, Levi, Moses, Hope and Job, 2d. 

Levi Corson married Deborah, daughter of Cornelius 
Corson, and lived on the Vansant place. Their child- 
ren were: Cornelius, Charlotte, Sylvia and Deborah^ 
The latter marritd a sea captain who was lost at sea. 

Cornelius, son of Levi and Deborah Corson, built and 
lived in the front part of the house now owned and 
occupied by Hollis P. Mickel. He married Almira 



THE CORSON FAMILY 37 

Blake. Their children were: Harrison, James and 
Laura. 

Harrison J., son of Cornelius and Almira Corson, 
married Roselma Hill. Their children were: Roselma, 
deceased, married George Eldridge; AUic, married 
Benjamin Taylor; Walter, deceased, married Sara J. 
Sharp; James, deceased; Lewis; Francis, deceased; Bel- 
mont, deceased. 

Charlotte, daughter of Levi and Deborah Corson, 
married Edwards Corson and lived on the Entrikin 
place. Their children were: Augustus, married Judith 
S. Scull; Deborah, married Thomas Boys; Ida, married 
Benjamin D. Hartman; Da^^ton, married Mary Hoff; 
Emma, died young; Anna Maria, married Jacob Fidler. 

Sylvia, daughter of Levi and Deborah Corson, mar- 
ried George Blake. 



THE MICKEL FAMILY 



The first record which we find of this name is in an 
extract from the diary of Jacob Spicer under date of 
March 1, 1760, which reads: "This day agreed with 
James Mickel for a year's service, to commence when 
the time expires with Reuben Ludlam. to be paid half in 
cash and the other half in good^ at cash prices, and for 
the year; but if in any part employed by land and part 
by water along the coast, including North Carolina and 
up the Delaware, then to have >^18 for the year's ser- 
vices; but if he proceeds from North Carolina and 
thence to the West Indies, when at home or can send 
his linen and other clothes, then to leave his washing. 
He is to attend to such various business as I shall need 
to employ him by land or sea If he is fully employed 
on land, to have ^16. He is to have .^20 for the year's 
services." 

He married Naamah, daughter of John VanGilder, 
and died sometime between the vears 1792 and 1797, 
leaving two sons, Robert and James. 

Robert Mickel died between February, 1817, and 
December, 1818, and James, who was a blacksmith by 
trade and had a shop where John Lee's house stands, 
built and lived in the house now occupied by James S. 
Smith. He married Rachel White and had the follow- 
ing children: Amy, married first, Washington Van- 
Gilder, second Enoch T. Godfrey; Sarah Ann, married 
Henry Grace, of Goshen; Rachel Ann, 1st; Rachel Ann, 
2d.; Thompson, 1st,; Thompson, 2d.; Joseph, John, 
lycaming and Elmer. 

He and his family, with the exception of his son, 

38 



* THE MICKKL FAMILY 39 

Joseph, moved to Illinois in 1849. his son, John, Shaving 
preceeded him three years earlier. His daughters, Amy 
and Sarah Ann returned to this section. 

Two of his children, Rachel Ann, 1st., and Thomp- 
son, 1st., are buried in the old burying ground on the 
farm of H. P. MickeL 

Joseph Mickel (l818-'87), married Roxanna Corson 
(1817-1902), and built and lived in the homestead now 
the property of Mrs. Rachel K. VanGilder. They had 
three children: HoUis P., Rachel E., who married 
Ezekiel VanGilder; and Joseph, who died in infancy. 

HoUis P., son of Joseph and Roxanna Mickel, mar- 
ried Ida Coombs, and has one son^ J. Eeon. 



THE TOMLIN FAMILY' 



William Tomlin (. . . .-1801-), married Martha 

Their children were: Benajah, Gedediah, Matthew, 
William, Samuel, Sarah, Drucilla, Mary and Martha. 

Benajah 1766-1852), son of William and Martha Tom- 
lin, married three times. His first wife was Sylvia 

, by whom he had a daughter, Loruhama, 

who married Jeremiah Edmunds. She died at Cold 
Spring in 1810. His second wife was Naamah, widow 
of James Mickel, and daughter of John VanGilder, 
whom he married in 1797. His children by this mar- 
riage were: Isaac (1798-1838), Hugh, Mary, single; 
Benajah, Naamah, who married her cousin, Enos Tom- 
lin, and after his death, Jacob Coombs. His third wife 
was Mrs. Naamah (MacBride) Eattimore. Their child- 
ren were: Eliza (1816-1906). who married Hamilton 
Smith; Sylvia, died young; and William ]>. (l823-'96). 

Benajah, son bf Benajah and Naamah Tomlin, mar- 
ried Mary Miller. Their children were: Smith M., 
Adelaide, Elijah M., Enos, Mary M., Benajah and 
Amy. 

Elijah Tomlin married Catherine S. Stites and lived 
for a time on the farm now owned by Albert F. Clark. 
Later he moved to Tuckahoe, where he now resides. 
He had two sons, Rutledge who married Eetiti- Corson; 
and Burdette, who married Rena Smith. 

Hugh, son of Benajah Tomlhi, Sr,, married Amelia 
Stites and lived at Goshen, N. J. His children were: 
Robert M., Hu_^h, Isabella, Hannah, Isaac, Martha 

*Data given by Charles Tomlin. 

40 



THK TOMLIN FAMII.Y 



41 



Ann, Benjamin Franklin, Mary Jane and Amelia. 

Robert M. Tomlin married Julia, daughter of William 
Boon, and lived in the house now occupied by William 
Tomlin. His children were: Julia Etta, married John 
Ta^dor; Gencvra, married Lewi^ Parsons; Robert G., 
married Sadie Rose; Hugh; and William who married 
Bertie Camp and has four children: Marguerite, William, 
Violet and George. 



THE WILLIAMS FAMILY^ 



The Williams family is said to have been of French 
descent. James, David and Manlief Williams, with a 
sister who died when about eighteen years of age, 
according to family tradition, came to this State from 
Delaware when quite young and lived for a time with 
their grand-parents at Millville, and later in Atlantic 
County. When young men they came to thts section. 

James Williams (1793-1973) built on the property 
(the old orchard) now owned by William S. Eldridge. 
Thee house is now used as an outbuilding on the prop- 
erty occupied by Clarence Sack. He served in the War 
of 1812. He married Mary (1786-1857), daughter of 
Isaac VanGilder, and had seven children: Sarah, mar- 
ried Seth Homan; James, Abigail, married Eli Budd; 
Martha, Enoch, (l824-'52), married Hannah Smith; 
Manlief, married Hannah Smith; Isaac, married Mar- 
garetta Riggins. 

Martha (l840-'87), daughter of James Williams, mar- 
ried Ebenezer Brown and had one son, James W., who 
married Martha Young. Their children are. Emma, 
deceased; Ebenezer M., Lillian and Etta. 

James (l821-'74), son of James and Mary Williams, 
married Elizabeth, daughter of William Boon. Their 
children are: Frederick, married Mary E. Seeley; John, 
Enoch, married Linda Sapp; Mary married James 
Sharp; James, married Henrietta Souders; William, 
married Emma Gallagher; and Sarah. 



*Data given bv Mrs. Sarah Homan and Mrs. Amanda 
Goff. 

42 



THE WII.I.IAMS FAMIIvY 43 

Mary, daughter of James and Elizabeth Williams, 
married James Sharp. Their children were: Elizabeth, 
married Ross Taylor; Alfred, married Carrie Gandy; 
Paul, married Mattie Garron; Sara, married Walter 
Corson; Florence, deceased, married Frank Chew; Han- 
nah, married Robert Hagelgan; Sophia, married Harold 
Ross. 

Manlief Williams, Sr., married Mrs. Elizabeth Tow- 
zer. Their children were: Joseph, Amos, David, Sarah 
Ann, married Zebulon York; and Amanda, married 
Eldridge Goff . 

David Williams, Sr. (1799-1855), married Sarah Van- 
Gilder (1807-1845), daughter of John VanGilder, 3d. 
Their children were: Eetitia (1832-1907), who married 
Peter Godfrey and had one daughter, Fleta, who mar- 
ried Nason Eafferty; Cornelia (1839-1933) mirriei 
Cornelius Smith; Evaline, married Jonas Rodan; Ellen, 
married first. Swing Whitecar, second, Charles Mc- 
Gear; Frederick. 

Ccrnelia, daughter of David Williams, married Cor- 
nelius Smith. Their children are: Frank, married first, 
Hannah Budd, second. Julia (Murphy) O'Connell; 
Robert C, married Bertha VanGilder, and has two 
children, Hilda and Marcia; Eliza married J-ames S. 
Smith; Charles, married Sarah Steelman. 

Isaac Williams son of James Williams, Sr,, built the 
house now occupied by Clarence Sack. He married 
Margaretta Riggins and had four children: Howard, 
Charles, Mary and Flora. 



THE GODFREY FAMILY^ 



The first of this name of whom we find record in this 
vicinity is Jame^ Godfrey, who in 1774 purchased of 
Jeremiah Corson 136 acres of land: being land which 
Jacob Spicer purchased of the West Jersey Society in 
1765, and lying adjoining the Entrikm place, on the 
southwest. He was commissioned a Justice of the 
Peace in 1767; was Commissioner of the Peace in 1771; 
was a member of the Second Compan/; Cape May Bat- 
talion in 1777, and took the oath of allegiance in 1778. 
He had three sons: Enoch, Matthew and Thomas, who 
married first, Martha Wheaton, second, Mary Scull, 
At his death, Matthew purchased of the heirs the 
estate, wdiich he later sold to Cornelius Corson. 

Matthew married first, Mary , second, 

Martha Corson, and had nine children: Jesse, Matthew, 
Reuben, James, Townsend, Hannah, Martha, Rachel 
and Emeline. 

Jesse Godfrey (1801-1881) had four wives, namely, 
Deborah Corson, Phoebe Sayre, Rachel Townsend and 
Rebecca Ingersoll. He had ten children. Reuben, who 
w^as lost at sea; Swain, married Sarah Townsend; Wash- 
ington, married Bridget O'Brien and Anna Davis; 
Hiram, married Martha Hall; Jesse, married Em''ly 
VanGilder; Richard, married Emma Hall; Charles, 
married Palmyra Risley; Elmira, married Elmer Young; 
Hannah, died in infancy. 

Swain Godfrey married Sarah Towmsend and had five 
children: Reuben, married Ladora Eayton; Deborah, 



*Data given by Mrs. Daborah VanGilder. 

44 



THE GODFREY FAMILY 45 

married Peter VanGilder; Almeda, married James Chat- 
tin; Ezma, married Charles Hammond; Ella, died in 
infancy. 



OTHER FAMILIES 



The Hess Family* 

The Hess family is said to have been of French 
descent. William Hess (l805-'77) came to this State 
from Pennsylvania when a young man and married 
Hannah (18C7-'85), daughter of John Corson. Their 
children were James, Somers, Amanda, Ch-rles, Mary 
Ann, and Talitha. 

James Hess (1833-76), married Elizabeth Blake 
(1831-1900), and lived at the corner of the State road 
and Youn^-'s road, where he conducted a wheelwright 
shop. He later purchased the property now owned by 
Anelio Reginio, and built a shop adjoining, which was 
destroyed b}^ fire, after which he built another shop on 
the same site. Their children were: Milton, Allie, who 
married Washington VanGilder, and Francis. 

Mary Ann Hess married first, Jesse Green, second. 
Rev. James Vansant. Her children were. William, 
Lois, married Frank Bailey; and Hannah. 

Talitha Hess married first, George Godfrey, second, 

Robb. Her children were Albert and 

i\manda. 

The Townsend Family 

In 1772 Samuel Townsend purchased of Joseph Cor- 
son, the property now owned by William Westcott. 
His children were. Samuel, Jr., married Elizabeth 



*Data given by Mrs. Allie VanGilder. 

46 



OTHER FAlvnLIES 47 

' • ', Edith, married Constantine Corson;- 

Millicent. married first, Henry Young, 2d., second, 
Hugh Hathorn; Hannah, married first, John Cathcart^ 

second, Abner Chapman; Rachel, married first, 

Willits, second, Thomas Lee; Phoebe married John 
Godfrey. 

This family is now extinct in the direct line in 
Petersburg. 

The Creamer Family* 

Jacob, son of Jacob Creamer, settled on the Creamer's 
Mill property and first lived in a house which stood 
back in the field on what is known as the Fred Creamer 
place, and later in a house which is now used as an out- 
building on the property. He died in 1866, aged 73 
years. He married Rebecca Camp, who died in 1871. 
Their chileren were: Mary, Married Joseph Noble; 
p:ilen, married John Stokely; Sophie, married George 
Moore; Hannah married Karnest Champion; Frederick, 
died in the army; Hezekiah, single; Charles, married 
Anna xM. Hoff; Daniel: James, married Matilda Hess; 
Reuben, single. 

Charles Creamer married Anna M., daughter of Peter 
Hoff. Their children were: Gabriella, died in infancy; 
Victoria, married Aaron Nickerson; Bertha, died in 
infancy; Hannah, married Franklin V. Gandy; Mary 
H ; Leaming, married Nina Bard; Randolph M., mar- 
ried Laura Wheeler; Cornelia, deceased, married Leroy 
\'anGilder; and Rebecca, married Hope W. Gandy. 

Daniel Creamer married Mary Ann Camp, Their 
children were: Frederick, Phoebe and Charles. 



*Data given bv Mrs. :\Iartha Caldwell. 



48 THK HISTORY OP PETERSBURG, N. J. 

The Camp Family* 

Joseph Camp came from the vicinity of Manumuskin 
in about 1822 and purchased property and built a house 
east of the present house on the Fred Creamer place. 
His children were: Joseph, Hezekiah, Jane, married 
Hezekiah Veach; Sarah, married Peter Steelman; Naomi, 
married Kli Camp; Rebecca, married Jacob Creamer. 

Joseph Camp, 2d., married Mary Barrett. His child- 
ren were: Elizabeth; married Richard Voss; Nellie. 
deceased; Annie, married Uriah Hess; Joseph; Hezekiah; 
and Naomi, married Thomas Hoff. 

The Blake Family! 

Mary Blake, a widow, came to this vicinity with her 
family of small children, from Newark,fand for a time 
taught the Petersburg school, later marrying Hezekiah 
Corson, Her children were. George, Mary, Elizabeth 
and Almira. 

George Blake married Sylvia Corson. Their children 
were Levi, George, Mary, Hezekiah, Johathan and 
Sylvia. 

Mary Blake married Isaac VanGilder, and had one 
daughter, Anna, who married Somers Sack. 

Elizabeth Blake married James Hess. Their children 
were: Milton, Allie, .vho married Washington VanGil- 
der; and Francis. 

Almira Blake married Cornelius Corson. 



*Data given bv Joseph Camp. tData given bv Mrs. 
Allie VanGilder. 



OTHliR FAMILIT-S 49 

The Hoff Family* 

Peter B. Hoff (1818-1903), son of Wiilliaiii and Mirtha 
Hoff, came to this section from Keyport, N. J., and 
with'his family settled on the Creamer's Mill property. 
He served several terms on the Grand Jury, was Asses- 
sor and Commissioner of Appeals and held other town- 
ship offices, and was an honorary member of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania Field Club of Botany, Hti 
married Marv Pangborn. Their children were: Cor^ 
nelia, married George Walters; Angus, Mrrgaret 
Emma, William, Anna, married Charles Creamer; 
Margaret C, Thomas, George and Martha. 

Margaret C, daughter of Peter B. Hoff, married 
Thomas Freestone and had three children: Joseph, 
EUis and Walter. The latter married Laura Ball, and 
has one son, Frank. 

George W., son of Peter B. Hoff, married Ada, 
daughter of Leaming Stephenson, and had five children: 
Rose, died in infancy; Hannah, deceased; Mary S.. 
Kdw^ard D. and Peter B. 

Martha, daughter of Peter B. Hoff, married Charles 
Caldwell. Their children are: Virgil, married Blanche 
Chambers; Emma, Bertha H., Pearla L., George W.. 
William H., Hollis A., and Mabel U. 

The Butler Familyt 

Isaac Butler, the first of that name of wiiom we have 
record, his name appearing on the Assessor's duplicate 
for the year 1822 as a single man, and again in 1827 as 

*Data given by Mrs. Martha Caldwell. tData given 
by A. C. Butler. 



50 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

a householder lived for a time in the vicinity of Seaville, 
subsequently removing to the property now owned by 
William Tyler, where he remained four j^ears and fol- 
lowed the trade of ship carpentry. From here he moved 
to the property owned by William Matthews, where he 
resided one year and moved from there to the vicinity of 
the Head of the River and followed the occupation of 
farming, dying there at the age of seventy-three j^ears. 
He was married twice, his first wife being Catherine, 
daughter of Rem Corson, by whom he had seven child- 
ren: William, Smiley, Peter, Albert, Jesse, Matilda and 
Priscilla, all of whom are deceased. His second wife 
was Mary Ann Bishop, by whom he had two children: 
Albert C, and Catherine. 

Albert C, son of Isaac Butler, married Ella, daughter 
of Frederick Drexel. Their children are: Frederick, 
deceas'id, married Alberta Beers; Harry, married Eliza-, 
beth Cunningham; Clarence, deceased; Albert, Robert, 
Isaac, Caroline, William, Frank and Clara. 

The Simpson Family* 

Elijah Simpson married Roxanna Beaston and lived 
in a house which stood between the properties nf Benja- 
min Steelman and Frederick Williams. This house was 
purchased and torn away by Enoch T. Godfrey. Some 
of the timbers were purchased by Peter Godfrey and 
used in building the kitchen of the house owned by his 
daughter, Mrs. Fleta Lafferty. His children were: 
William, married Sarah Corson; Sylvia, married Frank 
Smith; Albert V., married Elizabeth Hess; Eydia, mar- 
ried Frederick Crandoll. 



*Data given by William S. Eldridge. 



OTHKR FAMILIKS 51 

The Smith Family* 

Elmer (1812-'84), son of Jeremiah Smith, married 
Harriet Parsons (I816-'8!r,) and in 1863 with his family 
moved from Tuckahoe to Petersburg and lived in the 
house now owned by John Lee. The following year he 
moved to the house owned by William Matthews at the 
Lower Bridge. One year later the Corner Store prop- 
erty w^as purchased and he moved thereon. Their 
children w^ere; Jeremiah, Emma, married Lybrandt 
Corson; Martha, Thomas, Lettice, married Brinton Cor- 
son; Stephen, Joseph, Frank, Elizabeth, Charles, Han- 
nah, married Bejamin Steelman, and had four children, 
PMna, Howard and Leroy Manlief, all deceased, and 
Ehner S.; and James S. 

The Eldridge Familyt 

Joseph, son of Joshua Eldridge, was born at Williams- 
town, N. J., and moved to Tuckahoe, where he worked 
at his trade of blacksmithing. In 1864 he moved to 
Petersburg and lived in the house owned by David 
Cresswell and worked at his trade for Frank Entrikin. 
Later he built the house in which he now resides and 
operated the blacksmith shop near the little bridge, on 
the property now owned by Somers Sack, and after- 
ward built the shop adjoining his residence. 

He married Pamelia Surran (1836-1907), of Piiiey 
Hollow, N. J. Their children were; William S., 
George W., Sarah, married Lewis Tombleson; Rachel, 
Murella, married John O. Saul; Edwin, deceased; Cora, 



Data given by Mrs. Hannah Steelman, tData give 
by William S. Eldridge, 



52 tnn HISTORY OF PETI^RSBURG, N. J. 

married George Sack; and Joseph, married first, Ange- 
line MacLennon, second Ethel Hollingshead, t'lird. 
Mary Buck. 

William S. Eldridge married Margaret Wilson. Their 
children are Mary, deceasd; Edna, married Milton 
Whitecar; and Alice, 

George Eldridge married Roselma Corson. Their 
children are: Eaura, Russell, James, Harrison, Hattie. 
Emma and George W., deceased. 



The Stephenson Family* 

Eli Stephenson, the first of this name of whom we 
find record, lived on the property owi^d bv Jeremiah 
Bailey, at Middletowm. He served as Justice of the 
Peace, and was a local preacher. He was married three 
times, the name of his first wife being at present un- 
known. His ^econd wife w^as Phoebe, daughter of 
Cornelius Corson; and his third was a daughter of James 
Corson. Of his children, Jacob and Aaron settled in 
this township, the former at Tuckahoe, and the latter at 
Seaville, from where he moved to Blackwood, N. J., 
and later to this vicinity. His children were: Leaming, 
Ruth Ann, married Rufus Godfrey; and Hannah, mar- 
ried William Hewitt. 

Leaming Stephenson married first Harriet CrandoU, 
second Hannah Crandoll, His children were: Thomas 
C,, deceased; Ada, w^ho married George W. Hoff; 
Charles, Martha, married William Gibbs; Reuben; 
Leaming, Aaron, Harriet, married Frank Murphy; 
Rufus, and Jesse. 

*Data given by Leaming Stephenson. 



othe:r families 53 

The Drexel Family* 

Frederick Dre.<:el came to this country from Hamburg, 
Germany, when at the age of twenty-five years, and 
settled in Cape May County in the vicinity of Cape May 
Court House. He was a druggist by profession, but on 
his passage from the Old Country his papers were stolen 
from his trunk, and he never practiced his profession in 
this country He lived for a time on the farm occupied 
by William Tyler, and later moved to the house owned 
and occupied by A. C. Butler, where he died. He mar- 
ried first, Elizabeth Broadwater, and had one daughter. 
Ella R., who married Albert C. Butler. His second 
wife was Mary Ann, widow of Isaac Butler. 



The Gandy Family 

The ancestor of the Gandys of this vicinity was David 
Gandy, who in 1721-22 was a witness to the will of 
John Corson. In his will, which was made in 1757, he 
mentions his wife, Rebecca; and liis children, Samuel, 
Thomas and John. 

Samuel Gaudy's wnll mentions his wife, Mary, and 
these children; Da^id, Aaron, John and Esther. 

David, son of Samuel Gandy, was a member of the 
Cape May Independent Regiment of Infantry m the 
War of 1812. He had the following children: ]>avid, 
Edmond, Curtis, Maurice, Furman and Phoebe, 

David Gandy, 3d, was a local preacher of the Method- 
ist Episcopal denomination. He married Maria Bishop. 
Their children were: John W., who was drowned at 



*Data given by Mrs. Ella R. Butler. 



S4 fHe HISTORY OF PKT^RSBURG> N. J. 

the upper Bridge when about elev^en years of age; 
David, who died in infancy; John W., 2d, Gideon, 
Matilda, married John W, Babcock; Sarah, married 
John P. Bailey; and I^ucy, married El wood Bowen. 

John W. Gandy married Emma, daughter of Levi 
VanGilder. Their children are: Eva, married Eevi 
Price; Franklin V., Lydia, married Alfred Sapp; Anth- 
ony, married Mary Strickhauser; Emeline and Eliza- 
beth. 

Franklin V. Gandy married Hannah, daughter of 
Charles and Anna Creamer, and has two children, Anna 
C. and John F. 



WESLEY M- R CHURCH 



The first Methodist preacher to visit these parts was 
Mr. James, who in 1780 came on horseback to the house 
of David Sayres in a driving snow storm i^nd asked per- 
mission to stay all night At this time the churches 

(in this vicinity; were connected with the Cumberland 
Circuit, embracing all of Cumberland and Cape May 
Counties.* 

In 1796 Cape May County was formed into a circuit 
and added to the Philadelphia District. 

So early as 1781 James Crowell preached in this 
county, he being succeeded by John Fidler, John Mc- 
Closkey, Benjamin Abbott and others. The labors of 
these pioneers resulted in many conversions about the 
county. Among the early ones were Peter Corson's 

family in Upper township After the county had 

been formed into a circuit, Richard Swain had charge of 
it. He was succeeded in following years by David 
Dunham and Caleb Morris. The circuit reached no 
farther down than Tabernacle Church, being part of the 
Salem itinerancy. There was preaching at different 
points in private residences and school houses, t 

Cumberland Circuit was formed in 1807, and included 
all the southern and eastern portions of Cumberland 
county and a greater part of Cape May county. The 
preachers appointed to the circuit, many if not all of 



*Extract from article, '^History of Old (Head of 
River) Church," in Cape May County Gazette, Oct. 6, 
1896. tBang's History of Methodism. 

55 



56 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 

whom preached occasionally to the people of Little- 
worth, were: 

1807, David Bartine and Joseph Stephens. 

1808, William vSmith and Charles Reed. 

1809, Daniel Ireland and John Fox. ^. ■ '; ^^ifT 

1810, Samuel 3udd and Daniel Fidler. ": , '. 

1811, Thomas Dunn and Joseph Bennett. 

1812, William Smith and Joseph. Bennett. 

1813, Nathan Swain and Daniel Fidler. , 

1814, Daniel Fidler and Daniel Ireland. 

1815, Solomon Sharp and Nathan Swain. 

1816, Solomon Sharp and Thomas Davis. 

1817, Thomas Neal and Thomas Davis. 

1818, Thoma> Neal and John Creamer, 

1819, Edward Stout and John Creamer. 

1820, Edward Stout and Daniel Fidler. 

1821, John Finley, John Collins. 

1822; John Finlev and James McLaurin. 

1823-1, Edward Page and Elijah Reed. 

1825-6, William Williams and William Lummis. 

1827, John Woolson, Robert Gerry and Sedgwick 
Rusling. 

1828, John Woolson, Sedgwick Rusling and Joseph 
Ashbrook. 

1829-30, Watters Burrows and James Ayars. 
1831, William Foulk and William Stevens. 

Wesley Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 
1831, allhough there was a congregation formed prior 
to that date, services being held once each month in the 
school house by both the Methodists and the Baptists on 
alternate dates. 

The story is told tiat for some reason both denomi- 
nations met one Sunday at the same time. Both 



WKSLKY M. Jt. CHURCH 57 

l)reachers announced their hymns, and Betse}^ Boon, 
who led the singing for the Methodist congregation, 
started the hymi and sang with such vigor as to drown 
out the Baptist singers. The Baptist preacher arose and 
said, 'WU ye that are with me, follow me," and with 
his flock retired to a neighboring house, where the 
service was continued. 

Following is a copy of the original trustees' certificate: 

This is to certify that in pursuance to ten days notice" 
by advertisement according to law, a meeting was held 
at the house of Elias Corson, in Upper Township, Cape 
May County, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1831, for the pur- 
pose of electing a board of trustees to build a Methodist 
meetinghouse in the neighborhood of Littleworth, at 
which Kli-s Corson was chairman and William W. 
Foulks, secretary. The meeting being organized, pro- 
ceeded to the election of trustees by the plurality of 
^'oices, and Allen Corson, John M. Corson, Peter Cor- 
son, James Mickel and Thomas Peterson were duly 
elected. 

Signed on behalf of the meeting. 
Attest, Elias Corson, Chairman. 

Wm. W. Foulks, vSec't. 

This is to certify that we, namely, Allen Corson,, John 
M. Corson, Peter Corson, James Mickel and Thomas 
Peterson, all of the Upper township, in the county of 
Cap 2 May and State of New Jersey, have incorporated 
ourselves as trustees, agreeable to the laws of said State, 
for the purpose of building an Episcopal Methodist 
meetinghouse or church in the township aforesaid, to 
be called and known by the incorporated name of the 
Wesley Meetinghouse. In witnes^s whereof we have 



58 'THe HISTORY 01^ PETERSBURG, N. J. 

hereunto set our hands this 22d day of December, 

A, D., 1831. 

Allen Corson, (e.s.) 
John M. Corson, (l.s.) 
Peter Corson, (l.s.) 
James Mickel, (l. s.) 
Thomas PeteRvSon; (l.s.) 

Recived and recorded the abo^ e certificate December 
the 28th, A. D., 1831. Jonathan Hand, Clerk. 

The original members of the church, so far as can be 
ascertained were: 

Elias Corson, 

Abigail, wife of IHias Corson, 

Sarah (Hewitt) Corson, 

Sarah (Edwards) Corson, 

Rebecca Corson, 

JoJm M. Corson, 

Eliza, wife of John M. Corson, 

Sylvia Corson, 

James Mickel, 

Rachel, wife of James Mickel, 

Thomas Peterson, 

John Godfrey, 

Phoebe, wife of John Godfrey. 

Rebecca Ann French, 

Rev. Caleb A, Malsbury, in his "Life of Charles Pit- 
man." mentions Elias Corson and John Godfrey as 
leaders." 

With the growth of the Society the importance of 
having a church building became apparent, and steps 
toward that end were taken, and in the latter part of 



WEvSLEY M. E. CHURCH 59 

1831 a plot of ground, being originally the Corson fam- 
ily burying ground, was pnrchasrd ot Eiias Corson and 
Peter Corson. Following is a copy of the deed for the 
ground: 

This Indenture, made the Twenty-second cay of 
December, in the year of our Lord One Thousand, 
Eight Hundred and Thirty-one, between Klias Corson 
and Abigail, his wife, and Peter Corson and Sylvia, his 
wife, of Upper Township, Cape May County, State of 
New Jersey, of the one part, and Allen Corson, John M. 
Corson, Peter Corson, James Michel and Thomas Peter- 
son, trustees (in trust for the uses and purposes herein- 
after mentioned) all of the Township, State and County 
aforesaid, of the other part; Witnesseth that the said 
Elias Corson and Abigail, his wife, and Peter Corson 
and Sylvia, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum 
of thirty dollars to them in hand paid at and before the 
sealing and delivery of these presents, and receipt where- 
of is hereby owned and acknowledged, have given, 
granted, bargained, sold, released, confirmed and con- 
veyed, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain, 
sell, release, confirm and convey unto them, the said 
Allen Corson, John M. Corson, Peter Corson, James 
Mickel and Thomas Peterson (trustees in trust for the 
uses and purposes hereinafter mentioned and declared), 
all the estate, right title, interest, property, claim and 
demand, w^hatsoever, either in land or equity, which 
they, the said Elias Corson and Abigail, his wife, and 
Peter Corson and Sylvia, his wife, have in, to, or upon 
all and singular, a certain lot, or piece of land situate, 
lying and being in the neighborhood called Littleworth, 
Upper Township, Cape May County, State of New Jer- 
sey, aforesaid, bounded and butted as follows (to wit): 
Beginning in the centre of the road leading from Cedar 



60 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

Swamp Creek to Dennis Oeek, and bein^ also on the 
line of said Hlias Corson and Peter Corson's other lands, 
and running (first) south 75 degrees west, along said 
road, 25 perches to a corner; (second) north 16 degrees 
15 minutes east 20 2-3 perches to a stake; (third) north 
68 degrees 45 minutes east 21 1-3 perches to a stake; 
(fourth) south 16 degrees 18 minutes east 5 2-3 perches 
to place of beginning, containing one and three-fourths 
o: an acre of land, be the same more or less, together 
with all and singular the houses, woods, waters, wa_ys, 
privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, or in 
any way appertaining, unto them, the said Allen Cor- 
son, John M. Corson, Peter Corson, James Mickel and 
Thomas Peterson, and their successors in office forever, 
iu trust that they sha.l erect and build, or cause to be 
erected and built thereon a house or place of worship 
for the Societ}^ in the neighborhood of Littleworth and 
its vicinity, being members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and in further trust and confidence that they 
-hall at all times forev.er permit sueh ministers or preach- 
er-^ belonging to the said church, as shall be duly auth- 
orized by the General Conference of the ministers or 
preachers of the said Methodist Episcopal Church, or by 
rhe Annual Conference, authorized by the said General 
Conference, to preach and expound God's Hol3^ Word 
f herein and also to permit at all times the members of 
the said Society being members of the Church aforesaid, 
to assemble at such hours and days as by them may be 
deemed expedient for the purpose of religious exercise, 
and in further trust and confidence that they shall set 
apart a portion of said premises for a grave ^^ard, and 
permit at all times hereafter, snci of the subscribers as 
shall have paid five dollars and upwards; toward said 
house and premises to bury the dead of their respective 
families in said burying ground, and when any one or 



WESLKY M. E. CHURCH 61 

more of said trustees, or their successors in office, shall 
cLe, remove, resign, neglect his or their duty, misapply 
or abu-e the trust hereby created and visited in him or 
tliem as trustee or trustees, then the members of the 
said society or congregation shall proceed to elect and 
appoint others to fill their place according to the Statutes 
of the State of New Jersey, aforesaid, passed the Twelfth 
dav^ of June, 1799, for the purpose of incorporating 
trustees of religious societies. Provided, nevertheless, 
that if the said trustees or their successors have advanced 
or shall advance any sum or sums of money on account 
of said premises, and they, the said trustees or their 
successors be obliged to pay the said sum or sums foi 
money ou': o" their awn private funds, then they shall 
be authorized to raise the said sum or sums of money 
l:)y a mortgage on the siid premises, or by selling the 
said pre nises, afterghaving given six months previous 
p iblic notice thereof to said society or congregation, and 
if the money due be not raised and such sale take place, 
the said trustees, or their successors after paying the 
debt and other expenses which are due, from the money 
arising from such sale so deposited shall 1)e at the dispos- 
al O" said societv or congre_J-ation, to the best of their 
judgment, and for their use in their society or congre- 
gational capacity, but in no case shall a mortgage be 
given or sale made of said premises, except for the 
cause, and under the restrictions aforesaid, nor the 
house and premises appropriated to any other uses than 
as afore specified. And the said Elias Corson and Peter 
Cor o 1 doth by these presents warrant and forever de- 
fend all and singular the before mentioned and described 
lot cr piece of land, with the appurtenances thereunto 
belonging, unto them the said Allen Corson, John M. 
Corson, Peter Corson, James Mickel and Thomas Peter- 
son, and- their successors in office, from the claim or 



62 the: history of pktkrsburg, N, J. 

claims of all persons whatsoever. In testimon}' whereof 
the said Elias Corson and Abigail, his wile, and Peter 
Corson and Sylvia, his wife, have hereunto set their 
hands and seals the day and year above written. 

Kli AS Corson , ( l . s . ) 

Sealed ana delivered in Abigail CoRsox, (l.s.) 
the presence of us, Petkr Corson, (i..s.) 

James Ross. Sylvia Corson, (l.s.) 

Seth Young 

Be it remembered that this Twenty-second day of 
December in the year of our I^ord One ihonsand Ki-^ht 
Hundred and Thirty -one, personall}^ appeared before me, 
the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, in and for the County of Cape May, Klias 
Corson and Abigail, his wife, and Peter Corson and 
Sylvia, his wife, and did severally acknowlege that they 
signed, sealed and delivered the within deed as 
their voluntary act and deed;^ for the uses and 
purposes therein expressed, .-.nd the said Abigail Corson 
and Sjdvia Corson being by me examined separate and 
apart from their said husbands, did acknowledge that 
they signed, sealed and delivered the within deed as 
their voluntary act and deed, without any fear, threats 
or compulsion from their husbands. I do certify they 
knew the contents of the within and I am satisfied that 
they are the true grantors of the within deed taken and 
acknowledged before me. Seth Young, Judge. 

Received and recorded this deed the 28th day of 
December, A. D. 1831. Jonathan Hand, Clk. 

The following oaths were taken b.v each of the trus- 
tees: 



WESI.EY M. E. CHURCH 63 

I do solemnly swear that I will sup- 
port the constitution of the Unite:! States. 



Sworn and subscribed before me 
the day and year above written, 
before me. Skth Young, Justice. 

I, do solemnly profess and swear 

that I do and will bear true allegiance to the govern- 
ment established in this State under the authcrily of the 
people. 

Sworn and subscribed before me 
this 26th day of December, 1831. 

Skth Young, Justice. 

I, , do solemnly promise and swear that 

I will faithfully, impartially and justl-/ perform all the 
duties of a trustee for the Methodist Episcopal Churcl] 
to build a Methodist meeting house on a certain lot of 
land deeded by Elias Corson and Peter Corson, .for the 
purpose of building a Methodist meeting house thereon, 
according to the best of my ability and understanding. 



Sworn and subscribed before me 
this 26th of December, 1831. 

Seth Young, Justice. 

Soon after the purchase of the ground the church was 
built and was an appointment on the Cape May Circuit, 

In 1832 William Foulk and Nathaniel Chew were ap- 
pointed to the Circuit. They were followed in 1833 by 
John Henry and Joseph Ashbrook. 

In 1834 Edward Stout and George Raybold were 
stationed on the Circuit, and in 1835 William Williams 
and J. W. McDougal were appointed as preachers on 



64 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

this charge. 

In 1836 J.J. Sleeper and Thomas G. Stewart were 
ai)pointed to the Circuit, and were re-appointed the 
following year. They were followed in 1838 by J. F. 
Crouch. 

In 1839, with the exception of Bridgeton and a por- 
tion of the territory west of Cohansey, the Cumberland 
Circuit co^ ered the whole of Cumberland and part of 
Cape May counties. On its northwest boundary lay 
Salem Circuit. Methodism had been early introduced, 
and long established through this region, and was then 
as now, the controlling form of religion in most of its 
territory. 

In this vear the Circuit was divided and the portion 
including Tuckahoe, Head of the River, Marshallville. 
Hawkinsville, Petersburg, Beasleys Point, and later, 
Seiville, was known as the Atlantic Circuit. 

In 1S39 Joseph Atw^ood was appointed to this Circuit, 
his salary being $256, with $30 allow^ed for wood and 
table expenses. 

Quarterly Conference voted that this Circuit should 
pav one-fourth part of the arrears of the Cape Mav Cir- 
cuit for the past vear, and unanimously elected Thomas 
VanGiMer recording steward. 

In 1840 David Duffel was ai^nointed preacher in 
charge, and was returned to the Circuit the following 
year. 

In 1841 Quarterly Conference chose Thomas Van- 
Gilder as a delegate to the Srlem camp meeting, and it 
was voted to have "w^oods meeting" near Littleworth. 
It wis also agreed to raise $65 for table expenses of the 
pastor, firewood, etc. It was decided to buy or build a 
parsonage at or near Williamsburg, the money to be 
raised by subscription. 

In 1842 William A. Brooks was appointed pastor of 



WESLEY M". K. CHTDTRCTI^ 65" 

this charge at a salary Q)€ $2X)7 ,, with $3D allowed for 
table expenses. 

At the first Quarterly Conference ■ heM" that year 
it Vv-as voted to hoidi a camp meeting n^sr Little- 
worth, commencing: August 1st; and' t!fat there be 
a boarding tent,, under the direction; of the class 
leaders. The committee of arrangements were: Richard 
Weatherby. Enoch Ingersoll, Androw Smith. John M.- 
Corson,. Jhhn Stille, David Gaudy, Samuel Parker, . 
Khiery D. Sise,. Thomas Russeli; Joseph J. Mickel;': 
Thomas VanGilder and Allen Corscn, Esq. . 

In- 1843 Abraham (^earhart ww> appointed pastor, .and" 
was returned the two ^^ucceediarg years: 

In 1843 the trustees reported the debt 'on th^ parsons- 
age to be about $225, audit was voted thar subscrip- 
tions to Iriiruidate this indebtedness shmild be received 
bv John Stille and Thtmias VanGilder,. The pastor's" 
salary Avas mad^ $216, and the following y@ar was iir- 
creased to $224.. fh 1845 Littleworth's a-pportionment 
was $50. 

In 1846 Jame^'White was appointed to the Circuit, at 
a salary of $566. . 

ihonias Christopher was iii 1848 appointed pastor of 
the circuit, ahd was re-appointed the following year,, 
witli John W. Seran a* a-ssi'stant. 

In 1848 the pastor's salar>^ was made $369; later it 
was made $340 a:nd horse's expenses, making it $380 in 
all. 

John I. Corson was this year licensed by the Quarter- 
ly Conference as a local preacher. Thomas VanGilder 
resigned as recording steward and John I. Corson was 
appointed in his stead and held the office until Septem- 
ber 15, 1849, when he resigned. The parsonage was 
sold for $300. 

xn 1850 and 1851 W C, Nelson; was pastor. He wasi 



66 THK HISTORY OF PBT:eRSBURG, N, J. 

followed in 1852 by William V. Darrow, who served two 
years at a salary of $400. His labors while On the 
charge w^ere blessed in the conversion of more than one 
hundred souls. 

As the congregation increased the capacity of the 
building was taxed until a more commodious building 
was necessary. In 1854 the old building was sold to 
Peter Corson and removed from the grounds and the 
present buildincr was erected at a cos. of $3,200, Peter 
Corson being the contractor. 

James H. Primrose became the pastor in 18.)4 and 
was returned to the charge in 1855 and died in March of 
that year. He was succeeded by Hamilton S. Norris, 
who was returned the following year. 

In 1857 J. F. Morrell was appointed preacuer in 
charge, and the following year C. W. Heisley became 
pastor, with Matthias H. Shimp as assistant. 

In 1859 Samuel AsJmiead was appointed to supply the 
circuit. 

In 1860 Ivcvi J. Rhoads became the pastor, and was 
returned the following year. 

H. B. Beegle was appointed to the charge in 1862 and 
was returned in 1863, with Joseph Lanning Roe as as- 
sistant. The pastors salary was $650, and the assist- 
ant's, $250, Petersburg's quota being $204.84. 

In 1864 William Osborn was appointed preacher in 
charge, at a salary of $650, with John Bunyan Westcott 
a? assistant, at a salary of $238. 

In 1865 William B. Osborn was returned to the cir- 
cuit, and William E. Greenbank was appointed as as- 
sistant. 

E. H. Durell was appointed pastor of the charge in 
1866. 

In 1867 the circuit was again divided, and since that 
time the appointments have been as they now are—- 



WESIv^Y M. "E. CHURCH 67 

Petersburg, Seaville and Beasleys Point. The new cir- 
cuit was known as the Petersburg- Circuit until 1893, 
when the name was chinked to Seaville Circuit. 

In 1867 Israel T. Woolson was appointed to supply 
the charge, and at the second Quarterly Conference, held 
May 17th, it was voted that his salary should be $425, 
with house rent and moving expenses, Petersburg's 
share being $215. At the fourth Quarterly Conference, 
held the following February, the board of stewards 
voted unanimously in f a^ or ©f retaining Mr. Woolson 
for another year, but when Conference convened, 
Edwin Waters was appointed to the charge. The pas- 
tor's salary was then raised to $600, Petersburg's share 
being $348.54. 

On February 27th,' 1869, J. J. Mickel was appointed to 
confer with the Presiding Elder with regard to the ap- 
pointment of f> pastor, and Conference appointed Calel* 
Malsbury to the circuit. During his pastorate three 
members were added to the ckurch. 

At the Quarterly Conference held in April, 1869, the 
pastor's salary was fixed at $650, Petersburg's appor- 
tionment being $338.31. 

In 1870 Mr. Malsbury was returned to the charge. 
Petersburg's quota for salary was $344. 

In 1871 John Bunyan Westcott was appointed preach- 
er in charge. 

In 1872 Asbury Church was added to this circuit and 
Ezra B. Lake was appointed to the charge, at a salary 
of $800, of which Petersburg paid $284.23. 

S. Wesley Lake was appointed pastor in 1873 and 
served three years, Asbury Church being dropped from 
the circuit, at a salary of $700, of which Petersburg's 
share was $267.32. Nineteen members joined the 
church during his pastorate. 

Daniel B. Harris entered upon a three years' pastor- 



68 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

ate in 1876, in which thirty-three members were re- 
ceived into the church. 

In 1879 Conference appointed I. N. Wilson to supply 
the charg-e. The church gained four members this 
year. 

James Van -ant became pastor of the charge m 1880 
and was returned the next year. Twenty-one members 
were added to the church during his pastorate. 

K. R. Brunyate became pastor in 1882 and served 
three years. He was followed by C. W. lyivezley, who* 
served three years. 

In 1888 L. A. Bearmore was appointed preachr in: 
charge, and remained two years. 

In 1889 the apportionment of each church for pastor's 
salary w^as made equal---$233.33, and rent of parsonage.- 

In 1890 John Allen, Jr., became pastor and served for 
three years, during which time twenty-one members^ 
were received into full connection with the church. 

Joseph Sandford Moore w^as appointed to the circuit 
in 1893, and four members were added to the ehurch.. 

Robert M. Wap.es in 1894 became pastor and served" 
five years, during" which time twent3^-six nrembers were^ 
received. 

James Kckersley was appointed pastor hi 1899, and' 
served three years. Six members were received during 
this time, He was followed by James O. R. Corliss,., 
during whose three years pastorate seven members were^ 
received. 

D. Everett VanDrigfit was in 1905 appointed to the* 
charge, and was returned the following year, and severs 
were added to the church during this time. 

Robert N. Aspfnwall, Jr^, became the pastor tn 1907, 
He served two years and was succeeded by Charles H. 
DuBois, w^ho was appointed to supply thechargein 1909,-., 
and W9.S returned the. following year,. 



WESLI^Y ^^ E. CHURCH 



C9 



In 1911 the present pastor, Rev. William H. Luther, 
was appointed to the charge and was returned the tol= 
lowing year, at a salary of $7C0. He was again return- 
ed in 1913, and his salary was increased to $750, Peters- 
burg's share being $266.66. Daring his pastorate 
eleven have been received snto full membership. 



Members of Official Beard of Wesley IVI.E- Church 

The following are those who have been, so far as the 
available church records show, members of the Official 
Board of the church. Those marked * are at present 
members of the Board. 



TRUSTEES 



Allen Corson, Esq. 
John M. Corson 
Peter Corson 
James Mickel 
Thomas Peterson 
Champion Corson 
Joseph E. Corson 
Thomas VanGilder 
Isaac VanGilder 
Franklin VanGilder 
William Simpson 
Charles Lloyd 
Somers Corson 
Allen H.. Corson 
*Corntlius Smith 



* Washington VanGilder 
Leaming Creamer 
Ebenezer Brown 

* Edgar Voss 
H. P. Mickel 
James Vansant 
Charles Madara 
*James S. Smith 
*Franklin V. Gandy 
Alfred Sapp 
*Somers Sack 

* Frederick S Carter 
Frederick Williams 
^Albert F. Clark 
*Charles Caldwell 



70 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

STEWARDS 



Thomas VanGilder 
John I. Corson 
Richard Weatherby 
Joseph J. Mickel 
Richard T. Corson 
James Homan 
Sonicrs Corson 
Allen Corson 
Learning- Stephenson 
Hollis P. Mickel 



Harrison J. Corson 
*Leslie A. Corson 
William Simpson 
Somers Sack 
Franklin V. Gandy 
Rodney VanGilder 
*James S. Smith 
William Westcott 
* Robert C. Smith 
*H. Stanley Craig- 



LOCAL PREACHERS 



John I. Corson 
David Gandy 



ihomas Stephenson 



EXHORTERS 



John L Corson 
David Gandy 



Joseph J. Mickel 
*Hollis P. Mickel 



CLASS LEADERS 



John M. Corson 
Joseph Corson, 2d 
David Gandy 



Richard T. Corson 
Joseph J. Mickel 
* Frederick S. Carter 



WESLEY M. E. CHURCH 



71 



Members of Wesley M* E^ Church 

The earliest membership record in existence is dated 
1862. Names marked * were transferred from earlier 
records. Those marked t are persons known to have 
been members. 



NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


Archer. Mary, .... 


ll-9-'73 


Removed 


Babcock, Matilda, . 


* 


Removed 


Bailey, Electa, . . . 


* 


Removed 


Lois, 


6-20-'80 


Removed 


Blake. Caroline J, 


ll-12-'ll 




" Elizabeth C, 


ll-12-'ll 




Boon, Elizabeth, . . 


t 


) deceased 


Martha, 


t 


Deceased 


" William, ... 


t 


Deceased 


Brown, Ebenezer, . 


ll-15-'68 


Deceased 


James W., . . 


11-4-76 


Deceased 


" Martha T.,. 


8-16-'91 




" Martha V.,. 


* 


Deceased 


Burk, Emma, .... 




m Richard Voss 


Butler, Ella, 






Frederick,.. 


9-l-'95 


Deceased 


Biizby, Elmer, 


* 


Deceased 


Sarah, 


* 


Deceased 


Cald well, Bertha H. 


8-l7-'02 




'' Charles, 






Emma, 


8-17-'02 


Removed 


1' Mollis A.,.. 


11-17-'12 


Removed 


James, 


8-16-'91 


Removed 


Leonard,... 


8-16-'91 




George W., . 


7-8-'06 




" Mabel 


11-17-'12- 





72 



THK HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J, 



NAME 



Caldwell. Martha,. 

Pearla ly., . . 

" Virgil A.,.. 

Carter, Bertha M. 

|] Ethel M.. .. 

Fredericks. 

Camp, Annie K., . 

Hezekiah . . . 

Jacob, 

" Mary 

Naomi, . . . . 

Sarah, 

Clark, Albert F., . 

" Bertha, 

Collins, Olive, 

" Rita, 

Compton, Louisa, . 
Corson, Abigail, . . 

*' Allen, 

" Allen H.. .. 
" Allie B., ... 

Amelia 

Amisa, 

Ann Eliza, . . 

Agustus, . . . 

Caroline, . . . 

. '• Cornelia, . . . 

Cornelia, . , . 

Champion . . 

" CvnthiaF., . 

\[ David, . . . . . 

Elizabeth, . . 

Emley, . . . . 



ADMITTED 



10-1-76 

|8-17-'02 

3-9='02 

7-8-'06 

3-9-'02 

;iO-l-'76 

jlO-l-'76 

'9-6-'69 

6-20-'80 

J6-20-'80 

|l-5-'13 

jl-5-'13 

|7-8-'06 

l7-8-'06 

it 
lOriginal 

t 

10-l-'76 

8-16-'91 

t 

* 
* 

* 
3-6-76 



74 



REMARKS 



Removed, m Uriah Kees 

Withdrawn 

Removed 

Deceased 

Dropped 

Dropped 



[Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Removed, m Ben j. Taylor 

Deceased 

Dropped 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Withdrawn 

Joined Baptist Church 

j Removed 

i Deceased 

Removed 

Withdrawn 

Deceased 

Deceased 



WESLEY M. E. CHURCH 



73 



NAME 

Corson, Estella, . . 
" Esther V.,.. 

Emma Y., . . 
[[ Ellis, 

Enos, 

Eliza, 

Elias , . 

Ezra, 

Fidelia 

*' Geo. Walter. 

Gertrude B., 

German , . . . 

Hannah . . . . 

Harrison J., 

Hezekiah, . . 

Hezekiah W. 

James W., . . 

" Jolm I., 

" John M,, . . . 
'] John C, ... 

Joseph C, . . 

Joseph E.,. . 
" Judith E.,.. 

Kimsey, . . . . 
*' Eettice M.,, 
'I Lewis C, ., 

Lina, 

Leslie A., . . 

Louisa, . . . . 

Lydia, . . . . , 

Lvdia, .... 



ADMITTED 



10-1-76 

10-l-'76 

10-l-'76 

t 

t 

Original 

Original 



3-. 

* 

9-. 



,-'74 
,-74 



8-16-'91 



9-30-'94 

t 

Original 

* 

* 

3-6-76 
9-10-76 

9-6-'69 
'65 

8-20-'76 

8-16-'91 

6-20-'80 

t 

9-. .-'74 



REMARKS 



Withdrawn 

] deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Removed 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Removed 

Removed 

Removed 

Joined Baptist Church 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Dropped 

Deceased 

I Removed 

; Removed 

Removed 

Removed 

Removed 

Removed 

Removed. 

Westcott 
Removed 
Removed 

Removed 



Thos. R 



Deceased 
I Removed. 
1 Donald 



m Oliver Mc 



74 



THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 



NAME 


1 ADMITTED 

7-24-'92 


1 REMARKS 


Corson, Lydia B., 


1 


. '' Lydia M.. . . 


* 


Peceascd 


Maria, 


it 


[Deceased 


\\ Martha H.,. 


1* 


Removed 


Mary, 


* 


Deceased 


Mary, 


* 


j Deceased 


Mary, 


i* 


Deceased 


Mary, 


10-l-'93 


Deceased 


" Mary A 


* 


Removed 


" Mary B..,.. 


* 


Deceased 


Pennington, 


'65 


Removed 


'' Peter, 




Deceased 


Peter vS 


t 


Deceased 


Rebecca Ann 


Original 


Deceased 


" Sallie H., . . 


9-. .-'74 




\\ vSallieW.,.. 


10-27-'78 




Sarah \l, , . . . 


Original 


Deceased 


" vSarah H.. .. 


Original 


Deceased 


\\ vStilhvell. ... 


* 


Remo\cd 


Sylvia, 


Original 


Deceased 


" Rachel 


* 1 


Deceased 


\\ Richard T., 


* 


Deceased 


Roselma, . . . 


3-.. -'02 


Deceased, m George W. 
Kldridge 


Roxanna, . . 


* 


Deceased, m Joseph J. 
Mickel 


Thompson, . 


8-20-'76 


Removed 


Victoria, . . . 


3-6-'76 




" Walter H.,. 


l-27-'95 


Deceased 


CraijT, H. Stanley, 


9-25-'04 ; 




Crandoll, Fred'k.. 


t 


Deceased 


Creamer, AnnaM., 


'65 




" Charles,.... 


i 


Deceased 



WESLEY M. E. CHURCH 



75 



NAME 


ADMITTED 

i9-l-'95 


R] 

Deoeased. 


V vlAKKS 


Creamer, Cornelia, 


m Leroy Van- 




I 


Gilder 




Frederick, . . 


10-l-'76 


Deceased 




Hannah. . . . 




m Frankli 


n \\ Gandy 


Learning, . . 


|8-16-'91 


iReino\'t:d 




" Mary H 


1 


'• 




RandolpJi. . . 


i8-ie-'9i 






Rebecca. . . . 


1* 


Deceased 




Rebecca, . . . 


8-30='94 


Removed . 


ni Hot e Gandy 


Victoria, . . . 


3-4-'80 


Rem ived . 
erson 


m Aaron Xick- 


Dou^^^lass, Alexan'r 


6-20- '80 


Removed 




'' I'ffie 


6-20-'80 


Removed 




Annabel. . . . 


6-20- '80 


Removed 




Ei^enhart, John, . . 


t 


Deceased 




Leti.ia 


t 


Deceased 




Eldrid.s^e, Alice, . . 


7-S-'06 






Cora, 


M0-'92 


I-lenioved, 


m Ceo. Sack 


" PMna, 


2-17-'97 


Removed . 


m Milton 






Whilecar 


George \V , . 


11=. .-'85 






Laura, 


7-8-'06 






Mag-i^-e 


2-17-'97 






'] Murella,.... 


11-. .-'85 


Removed. 


m John Saul 


Pernielia, . . . 


9-l-'95 


Deceased 




" Stillwell, ... 


* 


Removed 




" William S... 


10-l-'76 






Elliott, Sylvia, 


* 


Removed 




Soniers, .... 


9-l-'95 


Removed 




Emrikin, Emeline, 


3-. .-56 


Removed 




" Fra::kS., .. 


1 


Removed 




" Hen-yP.,.. 




Removed 




" Lewis T., . .; 




Removed 





76 



The history of Petersburg, n, j. 



NAME 



ADMITTED 



Original 
11-17-'12 
9-l-'95 
8=13-'93 

7-8-'06 

6-28-'03 

8-. .-'89 

8-16-'91 

'65 

10-1- 



'76 



ll-17-'78 

6-28-'03 

6-28-'03 

t 



French, RebeccaA. 

Gandy, Anna C, . 

Anthony, . . 

. Carrie, 

David, 

Elizabeth. . . 
Emeline, . . . 

Eva, 

Franklin V., 
" John W., .. 
'' John W., .. 

Maria, 

I] Oliver M.,.. 
Somers C, . 
Theressa, . . 
Garretson. Sarah, , 
Gifford, Evdia, . . . 
II Mary W., . . 
Sarah B., . , 
Godfrey, Amy,. 
II Charles S. 
Eliza, .... 
Elmina, . . 
Enoch T., 

" Fleta, 

II Gilbert,.. 
George, . . 
Jesse, .... 
John, .... 
Letitia, . . 

''^^ Peter 

II Phoeb? I Original 

vSelinda.. 



•2-'79 



10-l-'76 

ll-2-'79 

* 

t 

Original 



REvIARKS 



Deceased 

Removed 

Removed . m Alfred Sharp 

Deceased 



Removed, m Eevi Price 

Dropped 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Removed 

Removed 

Removed 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Removed, m N. Lafferty 

Deceased 

Removed 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 

Deceased 



'WESLEY M. E. CHURCH 



77 



NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


Green, Hannah A., 


'64 


Dropped 


\\ Jesse, 


* 


Deceased 


Lois, 


'65 




lyOlS, 


6-20-'80 


Removed, m Fr^nk Bailey 


Mary Ann . . 


* 


Deceased, m Rev. James 
Vansant. 


Hess, Allie E., ... 


9-. .-'74 


Withdrawn, m Washing- 
ton VanGilder 


" Charles,.... 


'74 


Removed 


" Elizabeth,.. 


* 


Deceased. m Albert V. 
Simpson 


" Elizabeth, . . 


* 


Deceased 


Hannah, . . . 


* 


Deceased 


\\ James, 


* 


Deceased 


Mary, 


ll"9-'73 


Removed 


" Tolitha, 


t 


Deceased 


" William, ... 


t 


Deceased 


Hewitt, Edmunds. 


5-17-'66 


Removed 


Edwin, ..... 


9-30-'77 


Removed 


Lizzie, 


11-. .-'85 


Removed 


Hillman, Eimina, . 


7-10-'81 


Re:noved 


Samuel S., . . 


7-10-'81 


Removed 


Hoff, Anna M., .. 


'64 


m Charles Creamer 


Angus, 


3-4-'.77 


Removed 


Hannah, . . . 


6-9-'96 


Deceased 


Julia 


* 




Martha, 


lC-l-'76 


m Charles Caldwell 


" Mary S., ... 


9-10-'04 




ihomas, . . . 


ll-4-'76 


Withdrawn 


Hoffman, Amelia, . 


ll-2-'02 


Removed 


Lilbnrn, 


]l-2-'02 


Removed 


Holmes, Mary A., 


* 




Homan. 'Elvin B., 


* 


Removed 



78 



THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 



NAME 


ADMITTED 


REVIARKS 


— 


Homan, James,. . . 


2-3-'67 


Deceased 




Rebecca, . . . 


* 


Deceased 




Sarah, 


12-10-'76 


Deceased 




" Seth, 


12-10-76 


Deceased 




IngersoU, Mary, . . 


'09 


Removed 




Jarman, Ellen, . . . 


* 


Deceased 




Richard, . . . 


* 


Deceased 




Samuel B., . 


* 


Deceased 




Leach, Thomas, . . 


1-5-13 






Lippincott , Rebec ' a 


t 


Deceased 




Lloyd, Pleasant,. . 




Removed 




Madara, Charles K. 


'85 


Removed 




Mason. Carrie J., . 


10-7-94 


Removed 




Mary L., . • . 


9-13-'68 


Removed 




" Ruby L.,... 


10-7-'94 


Removed 




" lola, 


3-l-'92 


Removed 




Matthews, Thos.,. 


6-8-'l3 






Mary, 


6-8-'l3 






McDonald, Alida, . 


* 


Removed 




Mickel, Elmer, . . . 


t 


Removed 




" Hollis P.,.. 


* 






II Ida, 


10-. .-'81 


Deceased 




James, 


Original 


Removed 




J . Leon , . . . . 


9-l.^-'95 






Joseph J.,.. 


* 


Deceased 




John, 


t 


Removed 




" Rachel, 


Original 


Removed 




1' Rachel E.,. 


'65 


m Ezekiel VanGilder 




Roxanna, . . 


* 


Deceased 




Sarah, 


t 


Removed 




Mounce, Henrv. . . 


ll-9-'73 


Removed 




" William,"... 


ll-9-'73 


) deceased 




Peterson, Thomas, 


Original 


Deceased 





WESLEY M. E. 


CHURCH 


7S 


NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


Robinson, Reuben, 


* 


Deceased 




Rodan, Phoebe, . . 


t 


Deceased 




Ross, Mary, 


'65 






Thomas, . . . 


2-3-'67 


Deceased 




Steelman, Anthooy 


3-19-'96 


Removed 




Benjamin R. 


11-1-'91 






" Elmer S., .. 


11-17-'12 






\\ Frank, 


11-1-'91 






Hannah, . . . 


11-1-'91 






Manlief, 


11-1-'91 


Deceased 




Melinda, . . . 


* 


Removed 




Sack, Charles 


9-l-'95 






Cornelia, . . . 


10-1-76 


m Jos. Sharp 




" Edward, . . . 


9-23-'83 


Deceased 




George L., . 


9-l-'95 






Jacob, 


4-15-77 


Deceased 




Josiah, 


'65 


Deceased 




Julia, 


t 


Deceased 




Laura B,, . . 


9-l-'95 


m Frank Wilson 




Roxanna, . . 


8-16-'91 


Removed, m Wm. 


Wis( 


Somers, .... 


9-l-"95 






Papp, Lydia V., . . 


8-16-'91 






Simpson, Albert, . 




Dropped 




" PUizabsth, . . 


* 


Deceased 




" Eliiali 


* 


Deceased 




\\ Lydia 


i* 


Removed 




Rixanna, . . 


't 


Deceased 




" Sarah, 


* 


Deceased 




" William, .. 


|2-3-'67 






vSharp, Maude. . . 


8-16-'91 


Removed 




" Paul, 


|9-l-'95 


Removed 




" Saliie 


!6-20-'80 


i Removed 




" WcslevS.. 


6-16-'91 


Removed 





80 



THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J, 



NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


Smith, Amy, 


8-16-'91 


Removed 


Cornelia, . . . 


3-19-'76 


Deceased 


Cornelius, . . 


10-7-'77 




'' Eliza D.,... 


8-16-'91 




Eliza, 


* 


Removed 


\\ Elmer, 


2-7-'64 


Deceased 


Emma, 


* 


Removed. niLyb't Corson 


Frank, 


9-30-'94 


Removed 


Hannah, . . . 


t 


Deceased 


Hannah, . . . 


9-. .-'74 


m Benj. Steelman 


Harriet,'. . . . 


* 


Deceased 


James S., . . 


9-. .-'74 




\\ Eettice M.,. 


* 


Rem'd, m Brinton Corson 


Lewis, 


t 


Deceased 


Eizzie, 






Marcia^ . . . . 


11-17-'12 




Martha, . . . . 


* 


Deceased 


\\ Robert C.,.. 


7-16-'05 




Theodore, . . 


'65 




Stephenson , Aaron , 


* 


Deceased 


" Adda, 


6-20-'80 


m Geo. W. Hoff 


" Charity, 


* 




\\ Charles 


8-16-'91 


Removed 


Hannah, . . . 


* 


Removed, m Wm. Hewitt 


Hannah, . . . 


11-. .-'85 


Removed 


Harriet 


* 


Deceased 


EeaminR. . . 


* 


Removed 


Lizzie, 


11-. .-'85 


Deceased 


" Martha..... 


11-. .-'85 




" Ruth A., . . . 


* 


Deceased 


'^\ Thomas, . . .' 


11-. .-'85 


] deceased 


Enoch i 


:1; 


Removed 


Ezekiel, .... 


'6J 


Deceased 



WESI.EY M. E. CHURCH 



81 





NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


Stephenson, Jacob, 


* 


Removed 


" Hester, 


* 


Removed 


Tomlin, Genevra,. 




Removed 


" Hugh, 


6-27-'80 


Removed 


" Julia A., ... 


'6J 


Removed 


Julia 


6-20-'80 


Dropped 


'] Julia E., ... 


3-4-'74 


Removed, m John Taylor 


Margarite, . . 


3-4-'74 




" Robert G., . 


ll-24-'12 


Removed 


" Robert M., . 


8-4-'78 


Deceased 


Trout, Alexander, 


6-14-'03 


Removed 


lyaura, 


6-14-'03 


Removed 


Townsend, Rich'd, 


t 


Deceased 


Martha 


t 


Deceased 


Towser, Enoch, . . 


* 


Removed 


VanGilder, Anna, 


10-l-'76 


m Somers Sack 


' 


Bertha, 


9-l-'95 


m Robert C. Smith 


' 


Deborah, . . . 


6-20-'80 




( 


Eleanor, .... 






' 


' Eliza W. , . . 


'65 


Removed 


I 


' Ellena, 


'65 


Rem'd. m Wm. Mounce 


' 


Emma, 


* 


m John W. Gandy 


' 


' Esther, 


6-20-'8C 


m Roland Corson 


' 


\ Ethel, 


ll-4-'00 




' 


Hannah, . . . 


* 




( 


Hattie, ..... 


8-16-'91 


Removed 


' 


Irene, 


8-16-'91 




i 


Isaac, 


9-. .-'74 


Deceased 


' 


John, 


* ■ 


Deceased 


' 


Eeroy, 


9-l-'95 




' 


Eivia, 


* 


Deceased 


i 


Mary, 


t 


Deceased 


i 


Mar}^, 


* 


Removed 



82 



THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 



i 

m 



NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


VanGilder, Mary,. 


* 


Removed 


Mary A,,. . . 


11-5-79 




'' MaryR.,... 


9-. .-74 


Deceased 


Priscilla, . . . 


9-.. -74 


Removed. m Wm. H. 
Westcott. Re-admitted 

5-20-'00 


Rodney, 


3-6-'92 




'[ Swra 


ll-4-'00 




I] SarahA.»... 


10-1-76 


m John Huffman, 


Sarah A., . . . 


* 


Removed 


Serena, . . . . 


'65 


Deceased 


'' Thonas, . . . 


t 


Deceased 


Wa ter, . . . . 


10-1-76 


Deceased 


Vansant, Rachel P. 




Deceased 


Laura, 




Removed 


Veal, Mo^es, 


* 


J deceased 


■' Rac'iel, 


* 


Removed 


Voss, Carrie, 


3-6-'92 




[[ Edgir 


10-1-76 




Edwird, . . . 


2-3-'67 


Removed 


" Elizibeth, .. 


10-27-78 


Deceased 


John, 


5-27-'66 


Removed 


Meiora 


10-1-76 




Richard, . . . 


6-30-'80 


Withdrawn 


Wird, Am 


9-13-'68 


Dropped 


Ann 


6-27-'80 


Dropped 


'1 Geo-ge, 


9-13-'68 


Dropped 


George 


11-27-77 


Deceased 


" Davd 


9-l-,95 




'1 Florence B.. 


8-13-'93 


Removed 


Nancy, 






Westcott, Bessie Z. 


5 -20- '00 


Removed 



WESIvBY M. ^, CHURCH 



83 





NAME 


ADMITTED 


REMARKS 


West 


cott, John F. 


2-l-'78 


Removed; re-admittcd 








9-9- '82; removed; re- 
admitted 6-9- '07; re- 
n:oved 


i < 


William H., 


5-20-'00 




Willi 


ams, Abigail, 


* 


Deceased 


' ' 


David, 


t 


Deceased 


' ' 


Flora 


10-1-76 


Removed 




Frederick, . . 


6-27-'80 


Withdrawn; re-admittcd 
8-16-'91 


•♦ 


Hannah, . . . 


t 


Deceased 


. ( 


James 


9-6-'69 


Deceased 


i k 


Margaret, . . 


* 


Removed 


' ' 


Martha, .... 


* 


Deceased, m E. M. Brown 


' ' 


Mary 


t 


Deceased 


* ' 


Mary K 


,^8-'74 




*' 


Mary R 


9-.. -'74 


Removed 


i i 


Sarah, 


I* 


Deceased 


Will 


its, Benj. F., . 


1* 


Removed 


'* 


Mary J., ... 


* 


Removed 


Worth, Phoebe, . . 


il2-13-'68 


Peceas-ed 


You 


ig, A. Town'd 


t 


Deceased 


' • 


Maggie 


■10-27. '78 


Deceased 


* ' 


Lillian F.,.. 


:8-16-'91 


Removed; m Carl Pickens 


* ' 


Stephen, . . . 


* 


Deceared 


« ( 


Stephen T., . 


ll-4-'80 


J Deceased 



PETERSBURG M. E. SUNDAY-SCHOOL 



Soon after the establishing- of the church the Sunday- 
school was organized and sessions were held during the 
spring, summer and fall months. John M, Corson, 
Thomas VanGilder, Joseph J. Mickel, Richard T. Cor- 
son. Peter Godfrey and John Westcott held the office of 
superintendent for a number of years. 

The first official record we find of the school is taken 
from the Quarterly Conference minutes of the Atlantic 
Circuit, as follows: 

Report of the numbers and state of the Sunday- 
schools on the luckahoe Circuit for 1840: 

Wesley M. House S. S.: one superintendent; six 
teachers; forty-four scholars; fifty volumes in library." 

From the same source under date of 1845: 

Llttleworth: Superintendents, 1; teachers, 9; schol- 
ars, 66; volumes in library, 35." 

In 1868, the Sunday-school, under the superintend- 
ency of Peter Godfrey, w^as reported in fair condition; 
23 officers; 90 scholars; and an average attendance of 75. 

Previous to this year the school had been closed dur- 
ing the winter months, and the Quarterly Conference 
passed a resolution recommending that the schools on 
the circuit be kept open throughout the entire year, ar- 
rangements for which were made by each school. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1870 the schoo^. discoiitinued its ses- 

84 



PI5TERSBURG M. E. vSUND AY-SCHOOL 85 

sions, and this custom was again follo\ved for several 
years. 

The next record we find is dated 1873, wien "The 
Petersbur.2: Sunday-school, auxiliary to the Sunday- 
school Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
connected wtth the Quarterly Meeting Conference of 
the Petersburg Charge," was re-organized, and a con- 
stitution and by-laws w^--.s adopted. 

The officers for that year follow: 

Superintendent, Charles Henderson. 

Assistant Superintendent, Augustus Corson. 

Secretary, J. C. P. Smith. 

Treasurer, Rachel E. Mickel. 

Librarian and Assistant, Augustus Corson and Holli.s 
P. Mickel. 

Teachers, HoUis P. Mickel, James Hess. Somers Cor- 
son, Letitia Godfre}^ Sarah Simpson, Rachel E Mickel, 
Mary Williams, Rhoebe Rodan, Serena VanGilder and 
Eliza Corson. 

Since that date the superintendents of the school have 
been : 

Somers Corson, '74-9 
Leaming Stephenson, '79-80 
Stephen T. Young, '80-1 
Eeaming Stephenson, '81-92 
Harrison J. Corson, '92-5 
HoUisP. Mickel, '95-6 
Leslie A. Corson, '96 (part) 
HoUis P. Mickel, '96 (part) '97 
William S. Eldridge, '97-04 
Franklin V. Gaudy, '04-09 
Frederick S. Carter, '09-13. 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE 



Alpha Chapter 

Alpha Chapter, No. 6329, Epworth I^eaj^iie connected 
with the Wesley M. E. Church was organized in 1891 
Its charter bearing the date August 31. Since iti 
organization the presiding officers have been; 

Priscilla VanGilder, 1891-3; Mrs. Rachel E. Van- 
Gilder, '94; Victoria Corson, '95; Thomas Stephenson. 
96 (part); Harrison J. Corson, '96 (part)''97; Rodney 
VanGilder, '98-1900; Franklin V. Gandy, '01: Rodney 
VanGilder, '02-3; Victoria Creamer, '04; Robert C 
Smith, '05-8; M^s. Mary E. Williams, '09-12 



Zelley Chapter 

Zelley Chapter, No. 2786, Junior Epworth League 
was organized July 2d, 1894. Its superintendents have 
been: 

Miss Laura Vansant, 1894-1904; Mrs. Anna M 
Creamer, '05-6; Mrs. Bertha M. Carter, '07; Mrs. John 
F. Westcott, '08; Harry Bates, '09-11; Miss Bertha H 
Caldwell., '12-13. 

S6 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH 



111 1844 land situated on what is now called the State 
Road, from Ocean City to Tiickahoe, was purchased of 
Stephen Young, Esq., and soon a Baptist Church, a 
branch from the Seaside Church, w?s erected thereon, 
Pet-r Corson being: the contractor. 

The church was dedicated in the following winter, 
and or a time was in a flouri^]ling condition, but the 
building of the Baptist church at Tuckahoe and deaths 
and removals among its members drew from its support, 
a-i'l it was finally abandoned in about 1875. I^ater the 
])uilding was sold to Daniel McKeague, who removed 
the lumber to Tuckahoe, where he built a wheelwright 
shop with part, the rest being destroyed at the time of 
the bn-iiing of the old Tuckahoe canning factory. 

A-iong tlie pastors of the church w^ere: Revs. Fendall, 
Cov', Sheppard, Fogg. Quinn, Jones, Hammett and 
Hall. 

87 



THE PUBLIC SCHOOL 



The original school house, now used as an out-build- 
ing on the property owned and occupied by Mrs. 
Martha Brown, formerly stood a little north of the 
present school building, on what is now the play- 
ground. The money for its building was raised by sub- 
scription, each subscriber purchasing a number of 
shares. The ground on which it stood was deeded by 
Ezekiel VanGilder to those who contributed toward the 
building of the house, Following is a copy- of the deed, 
taken from records in the office of the County Clerk: 

This Indenture, made the Twenty-third day of Janu- 
ary, in the yewr of our I^ord One Thousand, Eight 
Hundred and Fourteen, between Ezekiel VanGilder, 
Jr., and Mary VanGilder, his wife, of the State of New 
Jersev and County of Cape May, of the one part and 
Cornelius Corson, Esq., Joseph Corson, Elias Corson, 
Isaac VanGilder, John VanGilder, James Mickel, Joseph 
Corson, Jr., Stephen Young, Esq., Alexander Young, 
Robert Mickel, Willits Wheaton, John Gandy, Zebulon 
Townsend and Richard Townsend, all of the State and 
Coiint}^ aforesaid, of the other; Witnesseth that the 
Slid Ezekiel VanGilder, Jr., and Mary VanGiider, his 
wife, for and in consideration of fourteen dollars to 
t icm by the said Cornelius Corson, Esq., Joseph Corson, 
iClias Corson, Isaac VanGilder, John VanGilder, James 
Mickel. Joseph Corson, Jr., "Stephen Young, Esq., 
Alexander Young, Robert Mickel, Willits Wheaton, 
John Gandy, Zebulon Tow^nsend ?nd Richard Town- 
send in hand paid at and before the time of the insealing 

88 



THK PUBLIC SCHOOL 89 

and delivering of these pre.^ents. tiie receipt whereof 
they have hereby acknowledged, and for various good 
and sufhcient cause.-s them thereunto moving, hath 
granted, bargained, sold; aliened, enseased, quit claim- 
ed, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth 
grant: bargain, sell, alien, release, "enseass, quit claim, 
convey and confirm unto the said Cornelin- Corsor,' 
Esq., Joseph Corson, Elias Corson, Isaac VanGilder', 
John VanGilder, James Mickel. Joseph Corson, Jr.', 
Stephen Young, Esq., Alexander Young, Robert 
Mickel, Willits Wheaton. John Gandy, Zebulon Town- 
send f>nd Richard Townsend, and to their heirs and 
assigns forever, fourteen-fifteenths of the following 
described tract or lot of land situate in Upper Township 
of Cape May County aforesaid, at the intersectirn of 
the Denni-^^ Creek and Tuckahoe roads, then sorth 
forty-two west, nine and three-fourths perches ^rorg 
said Dennis Creek road to a stake; second, north eightv- 
four west, nine and three-fourths perches to a stai-e: 
third, north forty-two east, nine and three-fourths 
perches to a stake at the Tuckahoe road; fourth, south 
eighty-four east, nine and three-fourths perches to the 
beginning, containing eighty square perches, be the 
same more or less, together with all the houses, build- 
ings, rights, titles, properties, privileges, advantages 
and apurtenances whatsoever unto the same belonging, 
or in any manner of way appurtaining, to have and to 
hold all and singular, the said privileges w^ith the ap- 
purtenances, and to the sole and only proper use, benefit 
and behoof of the said Cornelius Corson, E^q., Joseph 
Corson, Elias Corson, Isaac VanGilder, John VanGil- 
der, James Mickel, Joseph Corson, Jr., vStephen Young, 
Esq., Alexander Young, Robert Mickel, Willits Whe?i- 
ton, John Gandy, ZebulonTownsend and Richard Tow^^- 
send, their heirs and assigns forever, and the said Ezek- 



93 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

iel VaiiGilder, Jr., and Mary VanGilder hath agreed 
with and promised the said Cornelius Corson, Esq;. 
Joseph Corson, Elias Corson, Isaac VanGilder, John 
VanGilder, James Mickel, Joseph Corson, Jr., Stephen 
Young. Esq., Alexander Young, Robert Mickel, Willits 
Wheaton, John Gand\^, Zebulon Townsend and Richard 
Townsend, their heirs and assigns, that by virtue of 
these presents they may at all times forever hereafter 
peacefully and quietly hold, use, occupy, possess and 
enjoy every part and parcel thereof without any let, 
hindrance, molestation, intervention, disturbance or 
denial of them, the said Ezekiel VanGilder or Mary 
VanGilder, their heirs, executors, administrators, or 
any of them claiming or hereinafter to claim. In wit- 
ness whereof they, the said Ezekiel VanGilder and 
Mary Van Gilder of these presents, hath set their hands 
and seals the day and year above mentioned. 

Ezekiel VanGilder, Jr. [l.s.] 
Mary VanGilder, [l.s.] 

Signed, sealed and deliv- 
ered in the presence of 

Shamgar Hewitt, 

Shamgar Hewitt, Jr. 

Received of the within named Cornelius Corson, Esq., 
Joseph Corson. Elias Corson, Isaac VanGilder, John 
VanGilder, James Mickel, Joseph Corson, Jr., Stephen 
Young, Ptsq., Alexander Young, Robert Mickel, Willits 
Wherton, John Gandy, Zebulon Townsend and Richard 
Town end, the sum of fourteen dollars, it being in full 
of the consideration money within mentioned. ' 
Witness: EzEKiEL VanGilder, Jr. 

Shamgar Hewitt, Jr. 

At the time of the building of the new school house. 



THE PUBLIC SCHOOL 



91 



in 1871, the township purchased of Edward Voss the 
plot of ground on which it stands. In 1909 this build- 
ing was remodeled and another room added. 

Lewis Wheaton brought from up Jersey a number of 
maple trees which were planted along the road. The 
one at the school house point was set out by Isaac Van- 
Gilder, and the one at the rear of the school house by 
Willis Young. 

Following is a partial list of those who have taught -ki 
the Petersburg school:* 



Rowland Jones, 1822-4 

Dr. Benezatt 

Barnabas Caffrey 

Mr. Coffin 

Mr. Selden, '48-9 

M. S. Whitaker, '49-50 

Willis Young, '50-51 

Miss Phoebe Young, '51-2 

Cornelius Ccrson, '52-3 

John Stites, '53-4 

Hester Tomlin, '54-5 

Charles Brooks, '55-6 

Joel Sayre, '56-7 

Geo. S. "Wadsworth ,' 59-60 

Ephraim A. Perkins, 

Miss Anna Moore 

Mr. Litchfield 

John Cole 

Mrs. Marv B:ake 



Miss Millicent Youngt 
Miss Sallie B. Youngt 
George Smith 
Eli Burnell 
Walter Spicer 
Mr. Hewitt 
William Clemens 
Mr. Stephenson 
Martha Sniitht 
Stephen T. Young 
Miss Emma Grace 
Henry W. Hand," '71-5 
David Vannaman, '75-7 
Vincent O. Miller, '75-7 
Elijah Miller, '78-9 
Miss Elizabeth French 
Reuben S. Robinson 
H, F. Parker 
James E. Hayes 



*Data given by Hollis P. Mickel, Stephen T. Young, 
Mrs. Sarah Homan, Mrs. J. W. Gandy, Mrs. Wm. H. 
Westcott' Miss Ellen Young, Miss Millicent Young and 
Miss Sara VanGilder. tPav school. 



92 



THE HISTORY OK PKTKRSBUR( 



J. 



George A. Blake 
Miss Alice Town send 
Robert E. Lewis 
Llewelyn Hildreth 
Jamer Jefferson 
Lilburn Hoffman 
Rodney VanGilder 
Miss Mary Meerwald 
Miss Anna Miingle 



Miss Mary Gandy 
Miss Selma Hampton§ 
Rev. C.n. DuBois 
Rev. iV. C. Apgar 
Miss Sara vS. VanGilder 
Miss Maude Foulds§ 
Miss Rebecca Creamer§ 
Miss Margaret Meerwald § 
Miss Verna Mouer 



§ Primary Department. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR^ 



On May 10th, 1775, Congress met in Philadelphia and 
voted that 20,000 men should take the field. The sec- 
ond New Jersey Provincial Convention met and directed 
that one or more companies of eighty men should be 
formed in each township or corporation. t 

On August 5th Congress again assembled and directed 
that fifty-four companies of sixty-four minutemen each 
should be organized. The counties of Cape May and 
Cumberland were to haye independent light infantry 
and rangers. On iVugust 16th Cape May County's 
quota was raised to one battalion and one company of 
minutemen. 

At the county election on September 21st, the follow- 
ing officers were elected by the people for the Cape May 
Battalion: 



John Mackey, Colonel 

Eli Eldridge, Major 

Thomas Leaming, Jr., Adjutant. 

On April 16, 1777, the members of the Second Com- 
pany of the Cape May Battalion, which consisted most- 
ly of men who :ived in the upper section of the county, 
met and chose their officers. The certificate signed by 
the members of the company reads as follows: 



* 



Data from Stevens' History of Cape May County, 
except as noted. tRidpath. 

93 



94 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

"These are to certifie that on the 16th day of April, 
1777, the 2d Company of ye Cape May Battalion of 
Militia in the State of New Jersey be'ng met, did nomi- 
nate, choose and appoint James Willits, Junr., Captain; 
Divid Eivvards, First and Joseph Wheaton Second 
Lieutenants; Henry Young, Ensign. In witness where- 
^ of the majority of the comoany have hereunto set their 
hands. 

Moses Griffing Darius Corson 

Abel Lee James Godfrey 

"Levi Corson Abraham VanGilder 

John Golden David Corson 

Daniel Skull Rem Corson 

Parmenas Corson Jesse Corson 

John Cone Cornelius Corson 

Sumuel Insell Joseph Badcock 

Stephen Young Thomas Scott 

Amos Willits Uriah Young 

Jacob Corson Japet Hand 

Jeremiah VanGilder Isaac VanGilder." 

Additional members of the company were: John 
Corsion and Nicholas Corson. 

Commissions dated April 16th, were given to the 
offi^^rs named, and at the same time a commission waj* 
given to Col. John Mackey, which was dated May 7th, 
1777. Col. Mackey resigned March 27, 1778. 

The uniform of the Cape May Minute Men was to be 
"hunting frocks to conform as near as may be to the 
uniforms of riflemen in the Continental service." 

The Minute Men entered into the following agree- 
ment: 

"We, the subscril ers, do vo.untarily enlist curselves 
a minute man in the comoany of , in 



THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 95 

the County of Cape May, and do promise to hold our- 
selves in constant readiness, on shortest notice, to 
march to any place where our assistance may be re- 
quired for the defence of this and any neighbor colony; 
and also to pay due obedience to the commands of our 
officers, agreeable to the rules and orders of the Conti- 
nental Congress or the Provincial Congress of New Jer- 
sey, or during its recess, to the Committee of Safety." 

These men took precedence over other miiitia, and 
were entitled to be relieved at the end of four months, 
unless in actual service. 

At the time of the adoption of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, a committee was appointed to prepare a 
frame of government for the United States. This com- 
mittee reported their work in July 1776. A month 
was spent in further debates, and then the question of 
adopting articles of union was laid over rntil the follow- 
ing spring. In April, 1777, the report was taken up and 
continued through the summer, and on November 15, 
1777, a vote was taken in Congress and the Articles of 
Confederation were approved. The next step was to 
transmit the new frame of government to the several 
State legislatures for their adoption or rejection. The 
time thus occupied extended until June, 1778. The 
Articles of Confederation were signed by delegates of 
eight States on the 9th of July, 1778, and later in the 
month two others affixed their signatures. In Novem- 
be, the delegates of New Jersey acceded to the compact. 
In February. 1779, Delaware, and in March, 1791, 
Maryland added their signatures.* 



^Ridpath. 



96 



THE HISTORY OF PETKRSBURG, N. J. 



The following were among those who took the oath of 
allegiance to the State on May 27th, 1778: 

Samuel Townsend Abner Corson 

Rem Corson Joshua Garretson 

Jesse Corson Peter Corson 

Phihp Godfrey James Godfrey Jr 



WAR OF I8I2-J4' 



Previous to the War of 1812-14 regular "trainings," 
in both land and sea service, were kept up, and the 
residents were ready for any emergency that might 
arise. 

Captain George Norton's Company. Cape May Inde- 
pendent Regiment, a company of volunteers, many of 
whom enlisted from this section, was composed of four 
commissioned officers and ninety-one men, and did ser- 
vice at Town Bank, principally, and at other places 
along the Delaware Bay shore. The company was en- 
rolled into service May 15, 1814: and continued in 
active service or in readiness therefore until February 
17, 1813, when it was discharged. Following is a roster 
of the company: 

Captain, George Norton 

Lieutenant, Joshua Townsend 

Ensigns, Jesse Springer, James T. Scott 

First Sergeant, Ezekiel VanGilder 

Corporals, Webster Souder, McBride Corson, Gideon 
Palmer, Jacob Nottingham 

Fifer, Jonathan Hewitt 

Privates: 
Jacob Baner Amos Edwards 

Constantine Blackman Jacob Eldridge 

Joseph Bowker Jeremiah Ewing, Jr. 

John Braddock Stephen Foster 

David Camp Thomas French 



*From Stevens' History of Cape May County. 

97 



98 



th:e: history of Petersburg, n. j. 



Eli Camp 
Daniel Church 
Zebulon CoUing-s 
John Conover 
Aaron Corson 
Amos Corson 
Cornelius Corson, Jr. 
Elijah Corson 
Jacob Corson 
John Corson 
Nathaniel Corson 
Ezekiel Creamer 
Anthony Cresse 
Jeremiah Dagg 
John Daniels 
Thomas Douglass 
Muldare Earnest 
Jacob Johnson 
Daniel King 
Spicer Eeaming, Jr. 
Abel Eee 
Anthony Ludlam 
Norton Eudlam 
Thomas Eudlam, Jr. 
Elijah Matthews 
Enos Mulford 
James Nickerson 
Jeremiah Norton 
Samuel Oram, Jr. 
Amos Pepper 
William Peterson 
John Peterson 
Thomas Pierson 
Joseph Ridman 
Abel Scull 



David Gandy 

Joshua Garretson 

John Gaskill 

Elijah Godfrey, Jr, 

John Godfrey 

Daniel Goff 
William Hackett 
Aaron Hand 
Miller Hand 
Elijah Hayes 
Job Hickey 
James Hildreth 
William Hogburn 
Jacob Hughes 
William Hughes 
Moses Hnghes 
Edward James 
Jeremiah Shaw 
Smith Sloan 
John Smith 
Uriah Smith 
George Stites 
Samuel Stites 
Charles Strong 
Daniel Swain 
Samuel Taylor 
Wallace Taylor 
James Thomas 
Zebulon Townsend 
Daniel Vanneman 
Joseph Ware 
Samuel Warwick 
Jonathan Wheaton 
Joseph Wheaton 
John Yates 



WAR OF 1812-14 99 

The First Regiment Cape May Militia was kept up 
until 1835. During its organization the officers from 
this part of the county were: 

Somers Corson, Lieut. 1st Company, appointed 4-6- 
'16; commissioned 5-20-16. 

Cornelius Corson, Capt., 1st Company, appointed 
4-20-'18; commissioned 5-20-'18. 

Enos Corson, Lieut., 4th Company; appointed 3-20- 
'18; commissioned 4-15-'18. 

Allen Corson, Li^it , 1st Company, appointed 3-19- 
'18; commissioned 4-15-'18. 

David Corson, Lieut., 1st Company, appointed 4-20- 
'18; commissioned 5 -20- '18. 

Allen Corson, Capt., 1st Cympany. appointed 4-15- 
'22; commissioned 5-21-'22. 

Seth Corson, Lieut., 1st Company, appointed 4-15- 
'22; commissioned 5-21- '22. 

Smith VrnGilder, Ensign, 1st Company, appointed 4- 
4-'15; commissioned 5-21-'22. 

Aaron Corson, Lieut., 1st Compan}^ appointed 5-3- 
'23; commissioned 5-22-'23. 

Enos Corson, Lieut., 4th Company, appointed 3-27- 
'26; commissioned 4-ll-'26. 

James VanGilder, Lieut.. 4th Co,, appointed 3-27- 
'26; commissioned 4-11- '26. 

Elijah Corson. Ensign, 1st Comp'-^ny, 2d Battalion, 
appointed 4-ll-'l7; commissioned 6-10-'17. 



THE CIVIL WAR 



The Twenty-Fifth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry 
was organized under the provisions of an act of Con- 
gress approved July 22, 1861. Companies F, G and I 
were; composed principally of men from Cape May 
County, Company G being mostly made up from the 
Upper Township and Tuckahoe on the Atlantic side,* 
Those who enlisted from Petersburg were-t 

Frederick Creamer---] )ied of typhoid fever at Chest- 
nut Hill U. S. Army Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., 
March 2, 1863. 

Reuben Creamer- -Mustered out June 20, 1863. 

Howard M. French---Mustered out June 20, 1863.. 

James Gifford---Mustered out June 20, 1863. 

Hollis P. Mickel— Mustered out June 20, 1863. 

Richard Jarman---Discharged February 2?>, 1863; 
wounds received in action at Fredericksburg, Va. 

Charles H. Coombs— Died at Richmond, Va., Janu- 
ary 7, 1863, of wounds received in action at Fredericks- 
burg, Va.; prisoner of war. 

The Twenty- Fifth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteer 
Infantry was organized at Beverly, N. J., September 
18, 1862; camped at Beverly until October 10,. 1862; 
moved to Washington, D. C, October 10-11,. and 
served in the Second Brigade, Casey's Provisional 
Division, Reserve Corps, defenses of Washington until 
December, 1862; First Brigade, Third Division, Ninth 

*Stevens, tStryker. 

100 



THK CIVIL WAR 101 

Corps, Right Grand Division, Army of the Potomac, 
until January, 1863: Third Brigade, Third Corps, Army 
of tJie Potomac and department of Virginia until May, 
1863; First Brigade, Third Division Seventh Corps, 
Department of Virginia until June, 1863.* 

Service: Camped in Washington, D. C, and at 
Fairfax Seminary, Va., October 11 to ]>ecember 1, 
1862; marched to Uniontown, December 1; to Port 
iobacco, December 2-4, and to Liverpool Point, Poto- 
mac River, December 5-6; crossed to Aquia Creek, 
December 8; moved to Falmouth, December 10; battle 
of Fredericksburg, December 11-15; crossed the Rappa- 
hamick River, December 11; guard and patrol duty in 
Fredericksburg until sunset, December 13; advanced 
against Fredericksburg Heights. December. 13; duty in 
Fredericksburg, December 14-15; moved to the front to 
support pickets, December 15; re-crossed the Rappahan- 
nock, December 15; remained in Camp near Falmouth 
until February 6, 1863; Mud March, January 20-23; 
moved to Aqnia Creek, February 6; thence to Fortress 
Monroe, February 8-10; dut}^ at Newport News, Febru- 
ary. 10 to March 13; and at Suffolk, March 13-16; 
camped near Fort Jericho, Jericho Creek, guarding com- 
munications with Portsmouth, March 16 to April 11; 
operations during siege of Suffolk, April 11 to May 4; 
duty on line of defenses between Fort Jericho and Fort 
Halleck, from April 12 to May 2; supported batteries 
during engagement on Nansemona River, April 14; de- 
tached on fatigue duty during action on Edenton Road, 
April 24; engagement at Providence Church and Reed's 
Ferry Roads, May 3; duty near Battery Stevens, May 7- 
11; fatigue- duty at Fort New Jersey, near Norfolk, 



Extract from service of William Carter. 



102 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N, J. 

May 13 to June 4; moved by way of Portsmouth, Va., 
to Beverly. N. J., June 4-8; mustered out. June 20, 



Company A, Third New Jersey Ca^ airy was mustered 
in at Camp Bayard, Trehton. A number from Cape 
May County enlsted in this company, most of whom 
had served in the Twenty-Fifth N. J. V. I. 

Edgar Voss was a member of this Company; he was 
discharged at Armory Square U. S. General Hospital, 
at Washington, D. C, May 3, 1865.t 

This regiment left the S^ate April 5, 1864, marching 
overland to Annapolis, Md., where it remained a short 
time, and proceeded to Alexandria, Va., and joined the 
Army of the Potomac. This regiment was first attached 
to the Ninth 'Army Corps; then to the Third Brigade, 
First Division. Cavalry Corps. Army of the Potomac. 
It took part in the following engagements, all in Vir- 
ginia. I 

United States Ford, May 19, 1864; Ashland Station, 
June 1; North Anna River, June 2; Haines' Shop, June 
3; Bottoms' Bridge, June 4; White Oak Swamp, June 
13; Smith's Store, June 15; before Petersburg, July 25; 
Lee's Mills, July 27; Winchester, August 17; Summit 
Point, August 21; Winchester, August 24; Kearneys- 
ville. August 25-26; Berryville Turnpike, September 13; 
Opequan. September 19: Front Royal, September 21-22; 
Fisher's Hill. September 22\ Waynesboro, September 
2'^\ Bridgewater, October 2; Tom^s Brook, October 9; 
Cnpp's Mills, October 13; Cedar Creek, October 19; 
Back Road (near Cedar Creek), November 12; Mount 
Jackson, November 22; Lacey's Spring, December 21; 



^Service of William Carter. tStryker. JStevens. 



THE CIVIL WAR 103 

Morefield. February 22. 1865; Waynesboro, March 2; 
Dinwiddie Court House, March 31: Five Forks, April 
1: caoture of Petersburg, April 2; Deep Creek. April 3 
Sailor's Creek, April 7; Appomattox Station, April 8 
Appomattox Court House ( Lee's surrender), April 9 
mustered out, August 1, 1865.* 

*Stevens. 



THE HIGHWAYS 



The Road Over the Toll Bridge* 

"Notice of a petition to be presented to the Assembly 
for a law to enable the surveyors to lay a public high- 
way, two rods wide, free from toll, over the toll bridge 
and causeway at Fast Landing, on Cedar Swamp Creek, 
in the Upper Precinct of Cape May, and to locate con- 
venient roads therefrom, and for Joseph Corson, Isaac 
Baner, Jno, Mackey and James Willits and their associ- 
ates to give their whole expense incurred in making the 
said bridge and causeway to the said Precinct for the 
use of said bridge and causewa}^ 

Tuckahoe and Beasleys Point Road 

The road from Beasleys Point to Tuckahoe was lai'l 
out in 1820, The following description is taken from 
the Cape May County records: 

Beginning at Seaside road near Joshua Garretson's; 
from thencef south, 66.30 west, 611 perches, through 
timber land of J-cob Willits, Uriah Young, Ezra Young, 
and by Stephen Young's house to stake; then south, 82 
w^est, 32 perches to stake: then south 76.45 mest, 56 
perches to white oak tree marked for corner; then north, 
79 west, 61 perches to slake: then north, 75.15 west. 



*Extract from New York Gazette and Weekly Post 
Boy, Sept 11, 1769. 

104 



THE HIGHWAYS 105 

218 perches to stone; then north, 71 west, 11 perches to 
the old bridge that leads over Cedar Swamp Creek near 
Stephen Young. Esq.'s; then over bridge and crossway, 
south, 85 west, 105 perches to stake; then south, 81 
west, 70 perches to end of crossway; then north, 68.15 
west 444 perches to stake, through land of Josepli 
Corson; then north, 28 west, 215 perches along the old 
road to a stake, then north. 19 west, 337 perches till it 
intersects the Dennis Creek road; and thence north, 
18.20 east, 104 perches to the 'draw bridge over 
Tuckey hoo river. 

Dated at tlie house of Thomas Beasley this 24th day 
of February, the year of our Lord 1820. 

Part of the course of this road was changed in 1857, 
and again in 1909, when it was widened and made a 
State road. 

Road From the Upper to the Lower Bridge* 

On application of Joseph Corson, Peter Corson, 
Joseph Corson, Jr., Stephen Young, Jr., and others, 
the surveyors of the highways met on November 17, 
1818, at the house of Joseph Corson and having viewed 
the premises and heard what could be said for or 
against, adjudge the said road applied for necessary and 
laid out the road as follows: to be 40 feet wide and be- 
gin at a stake near the house of Joseph Corson, Esq., 
on the southwest side of the public road that leads from 
Great Egg Harbor to the Toll Brido-e over Cedar Swamp 
Creek, and thence running south. 14.15 west, 259 
perches to stake in line of Alexander Young and John 
Stites; thence south, 28.45 west. 111 perches to e as 
side of public road that leads from Amos Corson's over 



County Records. 



106 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

the New Bridge, at the turn of the road by the house of 
Stephen Young now occupied by John French, which 
said line of course marked in centre of said road now 
laid out which we have marked at proper dsstances on 
the line of same, and which said road runs over lands of 
Joseph Corson, Esq., Stephen Young, Ellis Corson, 
Alexander Young, John Stites and Thomas Beasley, 
and we do hereby fix the first day of August ensuing as 
the time when tbe overseers of the highways of the 
Upper Township shall open same for public use.^ 

Jacob Foster, 
Thos. p. Hughes, 
Swain Townsend, 
James Townsend. 

*Road From Dennisville to Petersburg 

Whereas, the Court of Ci>mmon Pleas for the Countv 
of Cape May did in the term of May last appoint sur- 
veyors cf the highway to lay out a road from Dennis 
Creek to Littleworth, and agreeable to the aforesaid 
we the subscribers, met and proceeded accordingly, 
viz: Beginning in the road that leads from said Den- 
nises to Jonas Hofman's, at the angle between where 
Israel Stites lives and David Johnson's and thence 
north, 66 east, 400 perches; north, 70 east, 132 perches; 
north, 46 east, 45 p( arches to burnt causeway: north, 65 
east: 43 perches: north 14 east. 275 perches to the Long 
Bridge road;£north. 40 east,t202 perches; north 24 east, 
142 perches; north 40 east, 101 perches; north 71 east, 
67 perches to Riggs' Bridge; north, 72 east, 59 perches; 
north, 61 east, 232 perches; north, 74 east, 195 perches; 



'County Records. 



THE HIGHWAYS 107 

north, 40.30 east, 216 perches to the road that leads 
from the toll bridge to Tuckahoe. 

N. B.---The aforesaid road is laid out two rods wide 
to the southeast side of said line and the same is to be 
opened and closed fit for publick use the first day of 
Decem])er next, as witness the hands this 21st day of 
June, 1798. 

Philip Cresse, 
Robert Parsons, 
Jacob Godfrey, 
Jesse Hand, 
Spicer Leaming. 
Hugh Hathorn. 

Road From Seaville to Tuckahoe* 

Whereas, the surveyors of the highways of Cape May 
by virtue of an order of the Court in May term, 1794, 
according to an act of the assembly at Trenton, Novem- 
ber 29, 1792, on petition of David Corson, James Town- 
send and more than ten other inhabitants of Upper 
Precinct, setting forth that a public road is necessary to 
be laid from the main road between the house of Par- 
menas Corson, Esq., and Mr. Job Young, accordingly 
we begun in the line of said Corson and Young where 
it crosses the public highway ,running thence north, 15d 
west, 34 perches; north, 9d west, 20 perches; north lOd 
east, 20 perches; north, 5d east, 36 perches; north, 11-d 
west, 56 perches; north 3 Id west, 30 perches; north, 5d 
east, 22 perches, north 31d east, 40 perches; north, 22d 
east, 22 perches; north, 9d east, 36 perches; north, Id 
east, 44 perches; north, 7d east, 30 perches; north, 20d 
west, 54 perches; north, 96 perches; north, 2d west, 72 



'County Records. 



108 THE HISTORY OF PKTKRSBURG, N. J. 

perches; north, 3d west, 18 perches; north 28 uerches; 
north, 18d west, 26 perches; north; 3d east, 75 perches 
to house of Enoch Young; north 52d west, 8 perches; 
north, 57d west, 48 perches, over the Cedar Swamp 
Creek; north, 47d west, 15 perches; JJnorth, 70d west, 
152 perches on a line between John VanGilder and 
Mickel; then north, 43d west, 972 perches to a black 
ork tree near Joseph Whe .ton's house; then north 87d 
west, 96 perches; then north, 12d west, over Willits' 
mill dam to the county line, which road is laid out 40 
feet wide, and further direct and appoint that the said 
road be opened and ready for public use on or before 
the 1st day of December, 1801. 



MAIL SERVICE 



The postoffice at Petersburg, accordkig to data re- 
ceived from the Postoffice Department at Washington,, 
D. C, was established on February 8, 1849. Previous 
to that time, Tuckahoe was the postoffice tor this vicin- 
it}^ and for the accommodation of the patrons here- 
abouts the Petersburg mail was forwarded to the store 
of Stephen Young, at the Lower Bridge,, by the stage 
which ran from Cape May via Seaville,. Lower Bridge,. 
Tuckahoe and Mays Landing to Camden, After the 
establishing of the railroad from Camden to Cape May 
in 1863-4, the trains carried the Petersburg mail to 
Mount Pleasant station, from where they were carried, 
by stage until in 1903 the Atlantic City Railroad secured- 
the contract to carry the mails on its line. 

Peter Corson was the first postmaster, appointed in 
1849, at which time the name of the village was changed 
from Little worth to Petersburg. He was followed in 
office in 1853 by Stephen Young, who held the office 
until 1856, when Peter Corson was again appointed. 
He was followed by Thaddeus VanGilder,, who held th6 
office until his death in 1881, when he was succeeded by 
his widow. Mrs. Hannah VanGilder. In 1882 William 
R. VanGilder was commissioned postmaster and held 
the office until 1885, when he was succeeded by Harri- 
son J. Corson, who in 1887 was succeeded by Lillian F. 
Young, who resigned in the fall of 19C8. The office 
was in charge of James S. Smith, assistant postmaster, 
until the. following spring, when Mrs. Eva S. VanGilder 
received the appointment as postmaster. 

109 



THE RAILROAD' 



The original survey of the railroad ran straight from 
Middletown to the Cedar Swamp Creek. crOvSvSing the 
Dennisville road about where the Killdeer Hill road 
branchts off. Through the intercession of some of our 
townspeople the survey was changed to its present loca- 
tion. 

The work of construction was commenced b}^ the 
Philadelphia & Seashoie Railway Company, and in 1891 
tracks were laid as far south as Corson's Inlet. The 
following year the road was completed to Sea Isle City. 

In 1892 the road w^as sold to the West Jersey Rail- 
roaa Company, wdio operated it for about a year, when 
it was sold to the South Jersey Railroad Company, who, 
in 1889, sold the property to the Philadelphia & Read- 
ing Railroad Company. 

In 1894 the Ocean City branch was constructed by 
Henry D. Moore, and in 1899 it was leased by the Phila- 
delphia & Reading Railroad Company, and has since 
been operated by the i\tlantic City Railroad Company. 



*Data given by Charles Caldwell and Cornelius Smith. 

110 



THE IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN 



Wendagoes Tribe, No. 91, Imp'd Order of Red Men, 
was instituted the 12th Sun of the Plant Moon, G. S. 
D., 396 (April 12th, 1887). The first meeting was 
held in the house now owned by John Lee; later the 
wigwam was moved to the loft over VanGilder's store, 
where meetings were held until the following summer, 
when the hall was built. 

After a few years, members of the Tribe living at 
Tuckahoe withdrew and instituted a Tribe at that place, 
which later disbanded; and several of the -members re- 
united with Wendagoes Tribe. 

Following is a list of the charter members, taken 
from the records of the Tribe: 



Orlando Ward 
Frederick Williams 
James W^illiams 
Enoch Williams 
William Ross 
Levi Lippincott 
William R. VanGilder 
Frank Smith 
Edgar Voss 
Richard Voss 
Peter Godfrey- 



Thomas Ross 
Ebenezcr Brown 
James Brown 
Washington VanGilder 
Leaming VanGilder 
Roland Corson 
David VanGilder 
Angus Hoff 
Albert Corson 
Theophilus Corson 

111 



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PRICES OF MERCHANDISE IN 1822 



Prices paid by citizens of Littleworth, a- recorded in 
John Townsend's '*Day Book:'" 

Molasses, per gal S .50 

RaiMns. per lb 12 1-2 

Rum. per qt 16 

Sugar, per lb Ij- 

Wine, per qt.. 37 1-2 

Cigars, 50 12 1-2 

Wheat flour, per bbl 8.00 

Butter, per lb., -^ 

Cord wood. oak. per cord 2.(20 

Cord wood, pine, per cord 1.76 

Nails: per lb 10 

Chocolate, per lb 25 

Tea. per lb 1-^5 

113 



LANDMARKS 



The Lower Bridge 

In 1762 Joseph Corson, Isaac Baner, John Mackey, 
James Willits and "sundry other persons" had petition- 
ed for a toll brid J:e over Cedar S^Yamp Creek at Fast 
Landing and the Assembly passed a law for its 
building.* 

The following were the rates of tolht 

Wagon or ox cart with team and driver, 6 pence 
Chaise or ox cart, passenger, horse, 

mare or gelding thereunto belonging, .... 4 pence 
Ever}^ passenger with horse, mare or 

gelding, 2 pence 

Foot, 1 pence 

Cattle, led over, each; 1 pence 

Sheep, led over, 1 Farthing 

This w^as at first a draw bridge and was later rebuilt 
without a draw. Joseph Corson, who had a shipyard 
above the bridge, in order to get his vessels into the 
creek; tore awa}^ the bridge. After this had happened 
several times the l)ridge was so arranged that a middle 
section could be removed to admit of the passage up or 
down stream. In about 1845 the bridge was rebuilt 
without a draw.! 

*Stevens' History of Cape May County. tBarber & 
Howe's Historical Collection of New Jersey. +H. P. 
Mickel. 

114 



LANDMARKS 115 

The Upper Bridge 

On November 21, 1788, an act was passed to build a 
bridge over Cedar Swamp Creek "from the lands of Job 
Yoang, on the southeast to the lands of John VanGil- 
der on the northwest."* This bridge, like the Lower 
Bridge was arranged so that a section could be removed 
to permit vessels to pass.t 

The Old Landingt 

Previous to the building of the meadow bank, the 
Cedar Swamp Creek had been open to navigation. 

There w^as a wharf about a mile above the Upper 
Bridge where the schooners took on. cedar "shooks;'^ 
for casks. This w^harf is still standing in a sunken 
condition. It is located at the end of the "Old Landing 
road." 

x\fter taking on the shooks the schooners would run 
down the creek and around to Philadelphia, where 
they would load merchandise suitable for trade in the 
West Indies. When they arrived there they ^^ould ex- 
change their merchandise for molasses, sugar, and 
Jamaica rum, loading it in the casks made for the pur- 
pose from the shooks which were carried south in 
bundles. 

The Meadow Bank 

In 1816 an act of Legislature was passed authorizing 
the building of a bank across Cedar Swamp Creek and 



*Arciives of New Jersey. tRay Wynn. ^Written 
by Ray Wynn. 



116 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

the meadows, and a company known as the Cedar 
Swamp Creek Meadow Company," consisting of prop- 
erty owners a1)Ove the bank, was organized and the 
bank was completed the following year. 

The following were the original members of the Com- 
pany: 

oseph Corson Stephen Young 

Ellis Corson John Stites 

Tnomas Beasley Joseph Faulkenburge 

Cornelius Corson Aaron Shaw 

John Godfrey John VanGilder 

James Micke: Jeremiah Johnson 

Elias Corson Robert Mickel 

Isaa^ VanGilder Isaac VanGilder, Jr. 

Ezekiel VanGilder Nathan Baner 

Mackey's Mill 

The old saw mill or the Mackey Place is supposed to 
have been built by Col. John Mackey sometime between 
the years 1740 and 1757. 

This was what was known as a tide mill. The prop- 
erty descended from Col. Mackey to his son. John 
Mackey, Jr., who sold it to Seth Hand, from whom it 
descended to Charles Hand, from w^hom it was purchas- 
ed in 1825 by Stephen Young, Esq. In this mill Reu- 
ben Young met his death by being crushed by a falling 
log. T^he mill was operated as late as about 1850. but 
only the foundations now remain. 

Smith's Mill 

Smith's mill was first used as a wheehvright and paint 
shop by Roland Corson. In 1890 David VanGilder and 



land:\iarks 117 

Frank Smith joined with him and installed basket- 
making machinery and commenced the manufacture fo 
truck baskets, In the fall of that year the saw mill was 
added. James S. Smith purchased the propeity in 1892, 
and for about three years continued the manufacture of 
baskets, since which time ft has been used as a saw mill 
under the management of Joseph Camp, sawyer. 

Creamer's Mill* 

Benajah Tomlin, in 1800, purchased of James Willits 
119 acres of land on Riggs' Branch, where he built tlie 
dam. and, it i-^ supposed, erected the saw mill, as, wdien 
the tract was surveyed in -1802, it was known as the 
"Mill Property." After adding to this tract, he in 
1820, sold to his son; Isaac, one half of the property, 
then as now containing 297 acres. 

In 1821 Benajah and William Tomlin sold the remain- 
der of this tract to Joseph Falkinburge for $125, and 
in 1822 Isaac Tomlin sold his share to Falkinl>urge, 
who at about that time rebuilt the irdil and later sold it 
to Jacob Learning, who in 1843 sold the property to 
Aaron Learning. 

In 1848 the property was purchased by Peter B. Hoff 
and Joseph Dorset, and in 1863 Mr. Hcff purchased of 
Dorset his share in the property. 

The mill stood until 1874, when it was demolished 
and part of the timbers were used in building the barn 
on the Hoff place. 

In this mill Jacob Creamer was sawyer for sixty years, 
and was followed in that capacity for a number of 
years by Ezekiel Stephenson. 

*Data given by Mrs. Charles Caldwell and Charles 
Tomlin.' 



118 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J, 

California Mills* 

111 1846 Peter Hoff built for Thomas VaiiGilder a saw 
mill on California Branch of Cedar Swamp Creek, 
which was run by an overshot and flutter wheel. The 
following year he built a grist mill adjoining the saw 
mill, the power being transmitted from the saw mill by 
a oelt. Joseph Camp was first employed as sawyer at 
this mill and was followed in that capacity by I^eaming 
Stephenson, and it is said the mills did a thriving busi- 
ness, as many as eighteen and twenty teams sometimes 
being seen waiting for their grist or lumber at onetime. 

About this time Mr. VanGilder erected three houses 
near the mills for the occupancy of those employed by 
him. 

After the death of Thomas VanGilder, the property 
was purchasedgby Mrs. Hannah VanGilder and Mrs. 
Kmeline Steelman, and the mills were operated by them 
for some time. 

The mills and the remaining houses were burned by a 
forest fire in May, 1895. 

VanGilder^s Storet 

VaiiGilder's store was established in about 1825 (the 
first record we have found is in the assessor's duolicate 
for 1827) by Thomas VanGilder, who commenced the 
business in a room of the old part of the house occu- 
pied by Mrs, Hannah VanGilder, which after the build- 
ing^of the present store building w^as used as a kitchen 
until the house was remodeled, when it was torn away. 



*Data given by Mrs. Charles Caldwell and Mrs. Han- 
nah VanGilder. tData given by Mrs. Hannah Van- 
Gilder. 



LANDMARKS 119 

The present store building was built in about 1845, 
and as the demand for space increased, was added to. 
both front and rear, by Thaddeus VanGilder, who pur- 
chased the property about 1861, and continued the busi- 
ness until his death in 1881, when his widow, Mrs. 
Hannah VanGilder, succeeded him and remained in the 
business until 1905, with the exbeption of one year, 
in which her son, William R. VanGiider, w^as the pro- 
prietor. In 1906 the store was re-stocked by Wain- 
wright & Sloan, who remained but a short time. In 
1907 the store was again opened by Mrs, P>a VanGil- 
der. Here from 1862 to 1885, and from 19C9 to the 
present the postoffice was located. 

The Philadelphia Store 

Tee building known as the Philadelphia store was 
built by 7*hadeeus VanGilder, and was first occupied as 
a millinery store by Mrs Priscilla Corson, and later as 
a grocery store by James Homan, James Brown, Cornel- 
ius Corson and Mrs. Elizabeth Hess, and has since been 
used for various purposes. In 1880 it was wrecked by 
a wind storm which blew down several other buildings, 
and was later rebuilt. 

The Corner Store* 

The Corner store was established by Peter Corson and 
Harrison Westc^tt The first record is found in the as- 
sessor's duplicate for 1834-, when it was assessed as the 
property ot Peter Corson. The original store, now a 
part of the present building, was located where the 
Philadel.phia store now stands, on ground which was 



'Data given by Cornelius Smith, 



120 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

leased of David Williams. Corson & Westcott sold the 
business to Rev. Thomas Christopher, Vvho lived in the 
house adjoining, and he conducted the store until his 
death in 1850. 

Peter Corsor then became the proprietor, and here 
the first postoffice was located. He moved the building 
to the opposite side of the street, and later sold the 
business to a man named DuBois, who came from up 
the State. He was succeeded in business by Francis 
Entrikin, who was followed by Cornelius Corson who 
kept the store for about a year, being succeeded by 
Somers Corson. The property was purchased by mem- 
bers of the family of Elmer Smith, and the store stood 
idle for about fifteen years, when, in 1881, it was 
re-stocked by the present proprietor, James S. Smith, 
who later moved it to its present location and enlarged 
the building. 



RESIDENCES^ 



The house owned and occupied by Wil'iam Westcott 
was built by Levi VanGilder, who purchased the pr«^i - 
erty of Peter Corson and burned the brick of which it 
was built on the olace. The frame part was added later, 
it being- partly an old house which belonged to Peter 
Corson, w^hich stood in front of the present hou^e, and 
which was moved back and raised. 

Robert C. Smith's residence was formerly the M. Ji. 
church, which, when the new church was built, was 
purchased bv Peter Corson, who remodeled it into a 
double house. Here, at one time, the postoffice was 
located while Peter Corson was postmaster. He later 
sold the property to Peter VanGilder, of whom the pres- 
ent owner purchased it. 

Frank Gaudy's residence was built by Richard T. 
Corson, after the death of whose widowMt was purchased 
by Mr. Gandy. 

The house owned by Thomas Matthews was origin- 
ally a part of tbe old brick house on the Westcott place, 
which was purchased by Seth Homan and moved to its 
present location. After the death of Mrs. Homan the 
property was purchased by James S. Smith, who later 
sold it to Mr. Matthews. 

Mrs. Schurch's house w^as built in 1910. 

The house owned by John Westney and occupied by 
Josiah Watson was built by Thaddeus VanGilder. 

The residence of Fred S. Carter was built on the farm 



*Data given by Mrs. Sarah Homan, H. P. Mickel and 
others. 

121 



122 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

of William Westcott, about half-way down the Kildeer 
Hill road, probably soon after 1771 by Samuel Town- 
send, who in that year purchased the property of Joseph 
Corson. The first record of the house xvhich we have 
found is that Levi VanGilder and wife began house- 
keeping in it in 1837, and Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, 
now 91 years of age, remembers it as an old house when 
she was a girl. It was a one-story house, and in 1855 
Peter Corson moved it to its present loca'-ion and added 
another story to it to be used as a dwelling for his wheel- 
wright, W^illiam Hemsley, who b'ved in it for a time. 
James Himan purchased the house and ground on 
which it stands of Peter Corson and enlarged it by 
adding a room. In 1903 the present owner purchased 
the prop2rty and has since enlarged and improved the 
dwelling. 

T]ie house occupied by A. M. and H. G. Robbins 
was built on the site of a house which was built by 
George Blake of material w^hich was twken from the old 
Seaside Baptist church, and which w^as burned. It is 
now the property of Mrs. Hannah VanGilder. 

The house owned and occupied by John Lee w^as built 
by Peter Corson in about 1855 for a residence foi" his 
1)lacksmith, Lew.s Dunn, who conducted a shop at the 
rear of tlie house. 

The house occupied by Mrs. Lizzie Elake was built 
where John Westney's house now stands, by David 
Williams, and was moved to its present location by its 
builder, at whose death it became the property of his 
daughter, Mrs. Peter Godfrey, who lived in it until her 
death, when it was inherited l)y her daughter. Mrs. 
Fleta Lafferty. 

The house owned by Tony Gannone was originally a 
part of a house built by Isaac VanGilder, which stood 
on the property owned by Mrs. Mary Mason, and was 



RKSIDKNCES 123 

moved to its present location by William Hess who pur- 
cnased the proocrty. 

The liouse owned and occupied by Benjamin Steel- 
man was built by Peter Hoff for Enoch T. Godfrey in 
about 1864, and later a store was built and the old 
house adjoining, belonging to John VanGilder was pur- 
chased and torn away. Mr. Godfrey conducted a gen- 
eral store for a time and sold the property to Charles 
Hess, who continued the store business for some time. 
The store was destro3'ed by fire in 1875. The present 
owner purchased the property of Charles Hess. 

The hou>e occupied by Walter Freestone w^as built by 
Milton and Francis Hess for their mother. It is now 
the property of Washington VanGilder. 

The house owned by Fred Williams was built by 
W^ashington Young, who sold it to its present owmer. 

Mrs. Martha Brown's residence was built by Willis 
Young. 

The house occupied by Clarence Sack was built by 
Isaac W^illiams. It was purchased by Manlief Steel- 
man, and is now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Mary 
Mason. 

Alfred Sapp, George Hoff, Cornelius Smith, W^ash- 
ington VanGilder, William Simpson and Leslie Corson 
each built the house in which they reside. 

The house belonging to Winton Smith and occupied 
by Lewis Co.^saboon was ])uilt by Washington VanGil- 
der, vSr., and after his death passed through the Ovvner- 
ship of Learning VanGilder to the present owner. 

Harry Bates' house stands on the site of two other 
liouses, the first being built by John VanGilder, Sr., the 
second by John VanGilder, Jr., and the present house 
by Clinton Palmer. The property was purchased by 
the Petersburg Develoi)ment Company, of whom Mr. 
Bates purchased it. 



124 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

Richard Voss built the house in whi:h he lives, build- 
ing the part next to the school hruse first and later 
adding to it. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Williams' house was built b}' her 
father, William Boon. 

The house owned by the estate of Ebenezer Brcwn, 
Sr., and occupied by Harry Butler, was built by Isaac 
French, at the death of whose wido\\' it was purchased 
by Mr. Brown. 

George Kldridge's house was built by James Homan, 
and passed through the ownership of Jesse Green and 
Thomas Hess to the present owner. 

The house owned by Mrs. Mary Holmes was built 
by Jonathan Holmes on land purchased of John Van- 
Gilder. 

Albert C. Butler's house orig.nally stood on property 
now owned by the heirs of Soniers Gandy, from where 
it w^as moved to Middletown, and stood near where Dr. 
W. ly. Yerkes' house now stands. It was sold to Henry 
Harper, who in turn sold it to William S. Eldridge, of 
whom Mr. Butler purchased it, and removed it to its 
present location, on propertj^ purchased of Warren Van- 
Gilder. 

James Sharp's residence was built by Hezekiah Cor- 
son, who scld it to Mr. Sharp. 

Rinaldo Groom's house was built by John Mickel, 
who sold the property to Emley Corson and in 1846 
moved to Illinois. Mr. Corson for a time conducted a 
grocery store on the property. 

The house Id which Miss Sallie Corson lives was 
built by her father, Griff ing Corson. 

The house belonging to David Cresswell was built by 
Reuben Corson and sold to Joseph Young, at whose 
death it became the property of his daughter, who mar- 
ried Mr. Cresswell. 



RESIDENCES 125 

The central part of William R. VanGilder's residence 
was built by Thomas VatiGilder. This was afterward 
raised and the rear built tc by Thaddeus VanGilder, 
and later the present owner built to ihe front. 

Somers Sack's house was built by Ezekiel A'auGilder, 
Sr. The original house on tlie place stood back near 
the pear trees. 

Edgar Voss' house was built bv his father, Edward 
Voss. 

The house occui:)ied by Noah Ccllins was built by 
David VanGilder. 

The house owned by William S. Eldridge was built 
by Richard Jarman. who sold it to Ro]>ert R. Corson, 
of whom the present owner purchased it. 

Orlando Ward's house was liUilt by his father, 
George Ward. 

The original house on Mrs. Creamer's property was 
built by Hezekiah Corson, and was purchased by her 
husband, Charles Creamer, who tore it away, and using 
some of the timber of the old house, built the present 
residence. 

B. F. Willits, in 1865, built the house adjoining 
Hollis P. Mickel, and sold it to Tlcnas VarGilder, 
who built an addition to the north end, to l)e used as a 
parsonage. In 1878 or 1879 Hollis P. Mickel purchased 
the house and lived therein for a time, later removing 
to his present location. 

The residence of Mrs. Hannah VanGilder was built 
by Jacob Baner, who sold the property in 1810 to John 
VanGilder. The property descended to his son, 
Thbmas Van Gilder, from whom it was purchased by 
the late Thaddeus VanGilder, who added to and im- 
proved the property. 

The original house, wdiich is the rear part ot the 
present house on the Vansant place was built by John 



126 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

VanGilder, Jr. From him it was inherited^ by Robert 
M ckei, and passed tliro ugh the ownership of Cornelius 
Corson to Levi Corson, who lived there until his death 
in about 1863, and after him, Edwards Corson resided 
on the property, which was purchased' by Rev. James 
Vansant in 1882; and he lived there- until his death in' 
1898, when the property passed to his son, J. Alpheus- 
Vansant, who sold it to James IhgersoU inl908. 

The first record we have found, of the property owned 
by Aiielio R'eginio dates b cck to 1773, when it Was 
di^Jed by David V^anGiider to Jeremiah- VanGilder. Id 
1809 it was purchased by Joseph Wheatou; who in r8'16 
sold it to St)mers Corson: in 1822' he sold it tb Aarori 
Corson, who in 1831 sold to Warren VanGilder, and he 
in 1833 to Reuben Corson, who later sold tb Marcellus 
Forbes, a shoemaker by occupation, who' came' from 
Maryland! He in 1856 sold the property to James Hess, 
who repaired it and built an addition to it. He sold to 
Jerome Tatem, who traded the property" with' Jerertiiahl 
Wilson, of Philadelphia. The property was -purchased 
by William Matthews at a tax sale, and not beifi'g; re- 
deemed; was -sold by him to Anelio 'Reginio, the present 
owner.' 

The property known -as -the Madata'pla^^cvvaJS^Ijiartt of 
the purchase of Josepli' Corson f torn the West' Jersey 
vSociety in 177?!-, which he con-veyed to Abraham Van- 
Gilder in 1745, who sold it to Sa-muer. Townsend in 
1771, of whose heirs it was purchased by- Constan'tine 
Corson in 1801'. He in 1 802 sold the ■ property to * Wil- 
liam Miller; wh'o s()ld"it to James Smith., and he t(> John 
F. Westcott, of whom, it was purchased' ' by 
Charles Madara, whose heirS' sold it ' to ■ Charley- F. 
Gaskil) . 

A house known as the "AUnt Abbie-' house' which 
stood adjoining R.' C. vSmi^th's- residence; formerly be- 



RESIDENCKvS 127 

longed to IClias Corson and stood on the land between 
the properties of Frank Gandy and John Lee, from 
where it was moved. Tide hous^ was torn down and 
for years, the old well, which was recently filled in, was 
all that was left to mark the place. 

Jeremiah Rouinson built the house known as ,the 
Chattin house, which after his death' Thomas VanGilder 
moved from vvhat is known as the Robinson lot to its' 
present location. ^ , 

The house adjoing the Red Men's Hall, occupied' bv 
Italians, was built by Thaddeus VanGilder, oil the site: 
of a house which w^as owned by Mrs. Kinsey, who 'sold 
the property to Thomas Iloss. Thaddeus VanGilder 
purchased the property of Mr. Ross and sold the house, 
which was moved to Seaville. 



MARRIAGE RECORDS 



Data taken from thf; Marriage Records of the Archives 
of New Jersey, Burlington County Marriage Records, 
Cape May County Marriage Records, Dutch .Refoniied 
Church Records, Hackensack, N. J.; Church records of 
the Atlantic and Seaville Circuits, and family reccrds. 
In dates betvveen ISOvO and 1900 the year is abbreviated. 

Badcock, Joseph, and Phoebe Macker. Feb. 1. 1780. 
Bailey, Charles F.. and I^ouisette Corson, Aug. 10, '72. 
Barnes, George, and Martha VanGilder, Dec. 26, '11. 
Bennet, Edmund J., and Cora S. VanGilder, Apr. 24, '01, 
Biner (Baner), Isaac, and Lydia Corson, June 20, 1740. 
Blake, George W., and Sylvia Corson, Aug. 29, '52. 
Brower, Hewlett, and Millicent Young, Apr. 26, '37. 
Budd, Eli. and Abigail Y. Williams. Oct, 21, '66. 

" Rufus B., and Gertrude B. Corson, Oct 8, '89. 
Butler, Albert C, and Ella R. Drexel, June 17, '79. 
Caldwell, Charles, and Martha Hoff, Nov. 3, '86. 
Conway, James, and Susannah Corson, May 14, 1741. 
Corson, Aaron, and Rebecca VanGilder, May 26, '11. 
" Abijah, ana Rhoda Stites, Feb. 18, '35. 
'' Abner, and Mary Smith, Apr. 5, 1773. 
•' Albert, and Phebe Corson, June 28, '27. 

Alexander, and Sarah Champion, Feb. 2, '58. 
" Allen, and Sarah Hewitt, '16. 

*' Amariah, and Mary, dau. Amos Corson. Jr., Jan. 
14, '35. 
Amos, and Hulda Sw^ain, Apr. 6, '15. 
Amos, and Isabella Corson, Oct. 24, '42. 
" Augustus, and Judith Scull, Mar. 21, '75. 
128. 



MARRIAGK RECORDvS 129 

Corson, Brinton, and Lettice Smith, Apr, 1, '66. 

Champion, and Mary, dau. Humphrey Corson 
Nov. 13, '31. 
I' Christian, and Hannah Kidney, July IG, 1761. 

Cornelius, and Delila Champion, July 9, '08. 
I' Cornelius, and Edith Godfrey, Aug. 22, '27. 
Cornelius, son Levi, and Almira Blake, Sept 
27. '52. 
'* Darius, and Martha Mackey, June 4, 1778. 

David, and Elizabeth Ford, Jan. 26, '34. 
I' Edwards, and Charlotte Corson, Dec. 29, '38. 
'' Ellis, and Betsey Eee, Dec. 21, 11. 
Elva, and Mary B. Corson, Aug. 4, '40 
Elva, and Martha Corson, Feb. 16, '49. 
I' Enoch, and Naamah Corson, Sept. 13, '07. 

Enos, and Zilpha Brown, Feb. 9, '04. 
*' Enos, Jr., and Hannah Gandy, Oct. 27, '09. 
Ezra, and Hannah Steelman, Mar. 5, '15. 
Furman, son of Amos Corson, and Roxanna.^dau. 

Enoch Corson, Mar. 4, '38. 
Henry, and Elizabeth J. Corson, Ai^r. 20, 34. 
Hczekiah H., and S.rah B. Corson. June 1, '41. 
Hope, and Lvdia Corson, '19. 

Isaiah, and Tabitha, <Uni. Willits W'heaton Jan 
6, '27. 
" Isaiah, and Elizabeth Godfrey. Feb. 3, '46. 

Jacob, and Sarah Johnson, Apr. 2, 1797. 
I' James, and Sylvia Dreakeand, Jan. 30, '03. 
Jeremiah, and Mary Cresse, Sept. 24, 1763. 
Jesse, and Angelina Godfrey, Dec. 14, '37» 
John, Jr., and Mary GoflF, Dec. 19, 1761. 
John, and Lydia vShaw, '09. 
Jonathan, and Hannah, dau, Amos Corson. Mar, 

13, '30. 
Joseph, and Harriet Corson.. Aug. 28, '25. 



130 THE HISTORY OF PKTKRSBURG, N. J. 

Corson, Joseph, and Margaret Lee, Jan. 7, '22. 

Joseph, Esq., and Mrs. Experience Willets, '41. 
Joseph, and Rachel Corson, Jan, 22, 1759. 
Joseph, Jr., and Phoebe Badcock, Sept. 22, 1791. 
Joseph Jr., and Sarah Edwards, July 26, '12. 
Joseph C, and Martha Borden, Dec. 26, '66. 
Joseph Lybrandt, and Emma Smith. June 5, '65. 
Joseph, and Sally Townsend. Aug. 22, '30. 
Levi, and Margaret Hand, Dec. 23, 1775. 
Levi, Jr., and Deborah Corson, Feb. 23, '17. 
Lewis, and Rebecca Townsend, June 28, '01. 
Lucas, and Mary C. Chattin, Sept. 20, '41. 
Nathan, and Vicletta Newton, '12. 
Parmenas, and Rachel Willets, Oct. 26, 1778. 
Parmenas, and Roxanna (Griffing) Benezatt, 

Oct. 18, '04. 
Parmenas, and Rachel Corson, '17. 
Permenas, and Mary Lee, April 12, 1774. 
Permenas, and Priscilla Cresse, Nov. 1, 1775. 
xPennington, and Sall.ie Rodan, June 1, '77. 
Peter, and Martha Edwards, Feb 10, 1757. 
Peter, and Marv Badcock, Jan 15, 1761. 
Peter, and Elizabeth Godfrey, July 20. 1763. 
Peter, and Sylvia Smith, '16. 
Peter, Jr., and Rebecca Chattin, Dec. 29, '31. 
Peter, and Lydia Godfrey, May 29, '64. 
Philio, and Lydia Cawson, Aug. 20. 1784. 
Rem, and Hannah Stillwell, Jan. 17, 1759. 
Rem, Jr., and Esther VanGilder, Feb. 3, '17. 
Reuben, so:i Humphrey Corson, and vSara, dau. 

Hugh Young, Jan. 15, '38. 
Reuben, Jr., and Ruth Garretson, Feb. 8, '36. 
Richard T., and Lydia Mary Cor>on, Jan. 12, '40. 
Seth, and Elizabeth, dau. James Corson, Oct. 28, 
'28. 



MARRTAGK "RKCORDS 131 

Seth, and Rachel Corson, Dec. 12, '17. 

Somers, and Jane Young, Feb. 26, '16. 

Walter H,,. and Sarah J. Sharp, Mar. 29, '99. 
Crandol, Frederick W., and Lydia Simpson, Dec. 24, '66. 
Creamer, Charles, and Anna M. Hoff, July 17, '67. 

Jacob, and Rebecca Camp, Dec. 23, '15. 
Daniels, Clement, and Deborah Young-, Nov. 4, 1737, 
Dole, Isaac, and Rachel Corson, Oct. 28, 1761. 
Earl, William, and Rebecca Corson, Aug. 4, '10. 
Ehl ridge, George W., and Roselma E. Corson, Nov. 24,'92. 

William, and Judith Corson, Dec. 10, 1778. 
Fidler, Jacob, and Anna Maria Corson, April 14, '63. 
Ford, Philip, and Esther Young, June 5, '31. 
Gaudy, David, and Phel)e Godfrey. Oct. 2, '05. 
, " David and Maria Bishop, June 29, '34. 

Franklin V., and Hannah Creamer, June 19. 1901. 

John, and Emma VanGilder, Mar. 16, '72. 

John, and Rachel Corson, '02. 

Uriah, and Olive Young, Feb. 8. \^5. 
Garretson, Corson, and Judith, dau. Lott Corson, Mav 
8, '30. 

Joshua, and Sarah Corson, Apr. 15, 1800. 
Gibbs, William and Mar<-ha Stephenson, May 15, '97. 
Godfre,v, Enoch and Amelia Townsend, Mar. 24, '10. 
" Enoch Tr, and Amv ( Mickel) YanC^ilder, Dec. 6, 
'62. 

Gilbert, and Elmina Corson, June 8, '75. 

James and Jemima VanGil'^er, Jan. 24. '09. 

James and Phoebe Townsend, Feb. 26, 1765. 

James and Mary Norton, Oct. 24. '03. 

James and Edith Gandy, July 10, '31. 
. " Jesse, and Deborah Corson, Aug. 21, '31. 

Jesse, and Sarah .\nn Corson, July 10, '31. 
" Matthew and Martha Corson, Feb. 2, 1796. 
." Matthew, Jr., and Adelide Miller, Jan. 18, '18. 



132 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, N. J. 

Godfrey, Thomas and Mary Scull, June 26, 1800. 
" Thomas, Jr., and Mary Young, Seot. 18, *14. 
" Somers, and Lydia, dan. Humphrej^ Corson, Oct. 
31, '30. 
Grace, Henry, and Sarah Ann Mick el, Dec. 31, '53. 
Hand, Cornelius, and Deborah Young (about) 1706. 
Elioath, and Naomi Young, June 14, 1763. 
Jeremiah, and Deborah (Young) Hand, Mar. 27, 
1734. 
Hartman, Benjamin D., and Ida Corson, Dec. 8. '74, 
Hathorn, Hugh, and Millicent Young, Oct. 13, 1799. 
Hess, William, and Hannah Corson, Nov. 2, '26. 
Hewitt, William C. and Hannah Stephenson, Jan. 3, '76. 
Hildreth, Joseph, and Zabiah Corson, Feb. 16, 1748. 
Hoff, George W., and Adaline Stephenson, Feb. 21, '84. 
Homan, James and Rebecca Earl, May 22. '41. 

Seth, and Sarah Williams, '57. 
Hasted, Dennis, and Hannah Green. Oct. 21, '72. 
Jarman. Richard, and Ellen B., daugh^^er of Moses Cor- 
son, Mar. 24. '55. 
King, Samuel, and Hannah Corson, Aug. 16, 1796. 
Kinsev, Eewi> P., and Millicent Young, April 12, '42. 
Eafferty, Nason, and Fleta Godfrey, Sept. 4, 1900. 
Lake. Ezra B., and Hannah Corson, Jan. 1, '53. 
Eeden, Bene, and Hannah VanGilder, Sept. 28, '03. 
Lee, John, and Rachel Eldridge, July 12, '88. 

" Thomas, and Rachel Willits. Sept. 12, 1800. 
Leonard, John and Ann Corson, Dec. 29, 1732 
Ludlam, Joseph, and Abigail Young, Aug. 8, 1847. 
Mackey, Col. John, and Elizabeth, dau. Judge Henry 

Young. Apr. 25, 1746. 
Matthews, William H., and Gertrude (Corson) Budd, 

Apr. 14, 1901. 
McDonald, Oliver, and Alida Corson. Oct. 27. "77. 
McGcar, Williani'H.. and Eliza W.\^an(n'lder. Dec.25'75. 



MARRIAGE RECORDS 133 

]\rickcl, James, and Elizabeth Readv, Feb. 12. 1763. 

James, and Rachel White, Feb. 14. '13. 
Aloore, George, and Bouhia Creamer, Mar. 5, '43. 
Robinson, William, and'Roada Corson. Aug. 13, 1754. 

William, and Phoebe Young, June 20, 1738, 
Ross, James, and Betsey Corson, Feb. 13, ^2.1, 

James, and Rhoda Corson, Mar. 9, '44. 
Sack, George L., and Cora Eldridge, Dec. 14, '98. 

Somers, and Ann. VanGilder. Oct. 2, '84. 
Sharp, Alfred, and Carrie Gand>-, LYc. 14. "98. 
Frank, and Almira Young, May 1^, '89. 
" James, and Mary Williams, Jan. 24, '74. 
Simpson. Albert Y., and PHizabeth Hess, June 4, '64. 
" inijab, and Roxanna Beaston, May 15, '27, 
'' William, and Sarah Corson, Feb. 5, '55. 
Smith, Frank, and Hannah Budd, June 5, '89. 
" James S., and Eliza vSmith, Oct. 23, 95. 
" Robert C, and Bertha YanGilder. Sept. 3, 95. 
" Uriah, and Ann dan. Jesse Corson, Jr., Aug. 6, 

'29. 
" Winton, and Amy \'an(rildcr, Oct. 6, '97. 
Stephenson, Eli, Esq., and Phoebe Corson . Sept. 13, '11. 
Stites, Capt. J'^hn, and Millicent Young, Jan. 29. '11. 
Swain. Joshua. Jr.. and Sarah Young, Now 2.^, ^?^\. 
Tavlor.'john, and Julietta Tomlin. Dec, 19. '78. 
Tomlin. Benajah, and Amy Mickel, Mar. 21, 1797. 

" Hugh, and Amelia vStites, Jan. 17, '29. 
Tomson, Richard, and Naanu^h Corson, Dec. 19, 1741. 
Townsend, Amos, and Isabe.la Young, April 10. '36. 
'• John, and Tabitha Young, Dec. 1, 1740. 
" Jotham, and Elizabeth Corson, May 21, 1776. 
" Zebulon, and Anthea Corson, Oct. 23, '03. 
YanGilder, Abraham, and Martha Hand, Aug. 22, 1757 
" Abraham, and Mary Alcuit, July 24, 1798. 
'■ Abram, and Rachel Laroe. Aug. 6, 1737. 



134 THK HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, X. J. 

VanGilder, David, and Ann Shaw, Dec. 23, 1795. 

David, and Mary Cresse, Jan 25, '45. 

Ezekiel and Mary Chapman, Jan. 21, '04. 
'' Isaac, and Elizabeth Willets, Jan. 28, 1796. 

Jeremiah, and Sarah Bishop, Aug. 1780. 

John, and Hannah Scull, July 22, 1757. 

lycvi, and Livia Corson, Feb. 27, '37. 
II Levi, and Martha A. Fitch, July 29, '93. 
I' Peter C, and Deborah Godfrey, June 18, '71. 

Smith, and Rebecca Peterson, Jan. 2. '25, 

Thaddeus, and Hannah Hand, Dec. 17, '57. 

Washington, and Amy Mickel, Dec. 19, '35, 

Washington and Allie Hess. Oct. 8, '^:^. 
Voss, Tulgar, and Medora A'anGilder, Aug. 16, '74. 

Edward, and Caroline X'anGilder, Fel) 8, '36. 

John, and Amy X'anGilder, Aug. 20, '29. 

Richard, and H. Elizabeth CaniD, May 1, '72. 
Vansant, Rev. James, and Mary A. Green, June 7, '94. 
Weatherby, Richard, and Eetitia Hathorn, Mar. 30, '34. 
Westcott, John F., and Sallie Entrikin, Dec. 23, '77. 
'' Thomas R.. an<i Judith S. Corson, Oct. 27. '77. 

William H., and Priscilla \'anGi,der, '93. 
Whitecar, Michael, and Ellen Williams, Aug. 27, '51. 
W^illits, Capt. Jacob, and Abigail Mackey. Apr. 27, 1777. 

James, and Rachel Young, Dec. 9, 1761. 
Williams, David, and vSarah \^uiGilder, Mar. 14, '26. 

Capt Enoch, and Hannah Ann Smith, Jul\- 28, '51. 

Enoch, and Linda Sapp, May ], '97. 

Frederick, and Mary E. Seeiey, Oct. 20. '72. 

James, and Mary VanGilder, July 7, '20. 

Manluff, and Mrs. Elizabeth Towzer, Feb. 21, '24. 
Wise, William, an*^ Roxanna Sack, Jan. 27, '94. 
Wynn, Benjamin I., and Phoebe Young, May 9, '61. 
Young, Alexander, and Abigail \^anGilder, Feb. 11, '21 . 

Henrv, and Phoebe Norton, Dec. 28, 1757. 



MARRIAGE RKCORPS 135 

Young, Henry, and Willamina Pedrick, Feb. 21. 1799. 
Henry, and Jane Townsend, Jan. 21, '39. 
Job, and Mary Norton, April 26, 1757. 
Joseph, and Harriet Wales, Jan. 30, '44. 
Reuben, and Kmnia, dan. James Corson, Jan. 26, 

23. 
Stephen, and Klizal^etli T{\-ans, Sei't. 29, 1799. 
Stephen, and Millicent Badcock, Oct. 25, '02. 
Stephen, Jr., and Lydia Badcock. Dec. 30, '11. 
Stephen T., and Margaret Reed, Feb. 2}^, '69. 



RECORD OF BURIALS IN THE PETERS^ 
BURG CHURCHYARD 



In dates between 18C0 and 1900 the year is abbre- 
viated. 

Babcock, John Wesley, b May 4, '39; d Oct. 25, '66. 
Boon, Martha, w William, b Dec. 11, 1797; d Jan. 19, 
'69. 
" William, d Aug. 19, '79; aged 85 yrs. 
Brown, Ebenezer M., b vSept. 5, '39; d Feb. 23, 1913. 
Emma. dau. James W. and Martha, '84-'85. 
James W., son Ebenezer M. and Martha \\ , '62- 
1909. 
" Martha V., w Ebenezer M., V) Nov. 5. '40; d Oct. 
4, ,87. 
Bntler, Catherine, w Isaac. 

Clarence, son Alijert C. and I-Hla R., d P'eb. 26, 
1906; aged 19 yrs. 
" Frederick, son Albert C. and VMa R.. d May 24, 

1906; aged 25 yrs. 
" Isaac, d Dec. 3, '73; aged 73 yrs. 

'Jesse G., son Isaac and Catherine, 1) I'V-b. 12, '42; 
d Mar. 11, '43. 
" Matilda, dau. Isaac and Catherine, b Oct. 25, '33. 
" Smilev, son Isaac and Catherine, b Feb. 12, '38; 
d July 22, '38. 
Buzbv, Elmer, b July 1, '33; d Nov. 16, '72. 

" Sarah, w Elmer, b June 6, '31; d Apr. 24, '96. 
" Theophilus, son John and Roxanna, d July 14, 
'49; aged 18 vrs, 8 mos and 12 days. 
136 



RECORD OF BURIALS 137 

Bi!zb\-, John. 

Roxanna. w John. 
Canu), Josepli, d A.pr. 6, '95; aged 78 yrs, 

Mary, w Joseph, d June 11, '83; aged 54 yrs. 
Caldwell. Howard, s Leonard and Rose, d May 1, 1909; 

aged 5 yrs. 
Chattin. Hannah C-, dau. William and Mary. 

William, d Mar. '86;, aged 60 yrs. 
Chew, Florence, w Frank, d May 2. 1909, aged 28 yrs. 
Corson, Abigail, w Elias, d Dec.^26, '72; aged 92 ^^rs. 
Allen, d Oct. 14, '61; aged^7l yrs. 
Allen H., son Allen and Sarah, b Mar. 18, '19; d 

Nov. 5, '89. 
Allen S., son Allen H. and Alaria, d Oct. 23, '59; 

aged 1 y-r., 7 nios. and 16 da3^s. 
Ambros, d Apr. 16, '56; aged 41 yrs. and 11 days. 
Ambros, son T. F. and C. L., d Mar 16, '56; aged 

45 days. 
Amelia, w Peter vS., b Oct. 20, '45;''d May 17, '74. 
Amos, d Aug. 20, '48; aged 69 yrs. and 16 days. 
Amos, son Amos and Huldah, d Feb. 11, '47; 

aged 4 mos. and 1 da}^ 
Amos S., b. May 26, 'i7;''d Oct. 28, '83. 
Ann Eliza, w Griffing, 1) Mar. 3, '32; d Aug 5, 

1911. 
Arabel Griffing, dau. R^euben G. and vSarah B., d 

Feb. 1, '48; ?ged 6 yrs, 3 mos. and 3 days. 
Bab\% b Mar. 8, '78; d same date. 
Belmont P.. son Harrison J. and Roselma, d Dec. 

12, 1906; aged 19 vrs. and 26 days. 
Champion, b Feb. 15, '10; d Apr. 20, '76. 
Charles L., son Walter H. and Sara J., d June 9, 

1900; aged 9 mos. 
Cornelius, d Dec. 7, '15; aged 58 vrs. and2Cdavs. 



138 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG, X. J. 

Corson, Cornelius, son Cornelius and vSarah, b 1788; d 

'59. 
Cornelius vS., son Peter and Sylvia, d Nov. 2, '24; 

aged 6 yrs., 11 nios. and 25 days. 
Cornelia Foreman, w Joseph, b Julv 8, '27; d Jan. 

31,1908. 
Delila, w Cornelius, d Mar. 6, '27; aged 33 yrs, 

11 mos. and 2 days. 
Kdith, w Cornelius, d June 6, '45; aged 59 yrs, 3 

mos. and 11 days. 
Elias, d Oct. 5. '52; aged 69 yrs, 9 mos. and 12 

days. 
ElHs. d Dec. 21, '61; aged 71 yrs, 8 mos. and 21 

days. 
]{lizai)etli, \v Kllis, d Dec. 6, '72: aged 78 yrs. 
Klma, dau. J. C. and M. H., d Nov. 15, '82; aged 

1 yr., 7 mos. and 25 days 
Klmer J., son Harrison J. and Roselma, d Aug 11, 

'90; aged 11 days. 
Emley, d vSept. 10^ '78. 
Kmma P., dau. Harrison J. and Roselma, d vSept. 

18, '91; aged 1 day. 
Ezra, b May 8, 1792; d Sept. 9, '74, 
Ezra S., son Jizra and Hannah, d Sept. 25, '50; 

aged 21 yrs., 4 mos. aud 21 days. 
Enos. d Aug. 19, '52; aged 65 3^rs., 6 mos. and 5 

days. 
Ivvans,d Jan. 27, '39; aged 2 yrs,, 11 mos. and 4 

days. 
Experiance, d June 8, 1815; aged 13 yrs., 8 mos. 

and 18 days. 
Erancis H., son Harrison J. and Roselma, d Oct. 

7, 1900; aged 14 yrs., 5 mos. and 5 davs. 
Griffing, b Mar. 1, '28; d Jan. 15, '92. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 139 

Corson, Hannah, w Knos, d Nov. 2. '48; aged 65 yrs., 2 

mos. and 6 days. 
" Hannah, w Fzra, b Aug. 11, 1793; d Oct. 25, '77. 
" Harrison J., d Sept. 15, '99; in his 47th year. 
" Harrison J., son H. J. and Roselma, d Mar. 5, '94. 
" Hezekiah,*b Sept. 9, '35; d Sept. 26, 1907. 
" Hezekiah W., d Mar, 1, '69. 
" Huldah, w Amos, d Dec. 3. '67; aged 88 yrs., 8 

mos. and 25 days. 
■' Huldah, dan. Amos and Huldah, d Feb. 26, '43; 

aged 3 mos. and 26 days. 
" Humphrey, Jr.. son Reuben G. and Sarah B., d 

Sept. 29, '49; aged 2 yrs.. 1 mo. and 1 day. 
" James W., d Dec. 14, 1903; aged 22 yrs, 7 mos. 

and 16 days. 
" John C, d Jan. 25, '89; aged 44 yrs. and 3 mos. 
" Joseph, b June 4, '06; d Dec. 27, 87. 
" Lettice, w Brinton, b Feb. 1, '43; d Mar. 13, '79. 
" I^oammi, son Ellis and Elizabeth, d Apr. 28, '42, 

aged 29 yrs. and 9 davs. 
" Lydia, w Peter, b Oct. 8, '11; d July 29, '70. 
" Evdia Mary, w Richard T., b Dec. 6, '21; d Aug. 

" 25, 1906. 
" Maria, w iVllen, b vSept. 9. '20; d Mar. i8, '58. 
" Mary, w Champion, b Mar. lO, 'lO; d Apr. 28, '90. 

Mary, \\- Emley, 
" Mary, w Hezekiah, d Sept, 26, '76. aged 40 yrs, 

lO mos and i7 days. 
'' Mary B., d May 5, '9i; in her 9ist vear. 
" Parsons, s Amos and Huldah, d Aug. ii, '46; aged 

i3 mos. and i7 days. 
" Pennington, son*Allen and Sarah, d Aug. i4, '48: 

aged i3 yrs., 9 mos. and 27 days. 
" Peter, d June i9, '73; aged 78 yrs., 5 mos. andi3 days. 



1+0 THE HISTORY OF PETKRSEURG, X. J. 

Corson, Peter S., b Nov. i.5, -IT; d Nov. i5, i907. 
" Rachel, 1) jiil\- 3(), '30; d June 30, '95. 
^' Reuben G., 1) Jan. 7, 'i5; d May 6, 75. 
" Richard T., d May 7, '92; aged 76 yrs. 
" Richard T.. son J. C and M. H., d ^[ay 7. '79: 

aged 2 yrs., 9 nios. and 25 days. 
" Robert M. C, son Kmley and Mary, d Jan. 5. '43; 

aged 2 mos. 
*' Robert M. C, son lunley and Mary, d Dec. 25, 

'48; agee 4 yrs., 5 mos. and 14 days. 
'' Roselnia, \v Harrison J., d Jan. i6, '99; in her 

45th yr. 
" v'^arah, w Cornelius, d Dec. 29, '43: aged S4 yrs, 

lO mos. and 20 days. 
" Sarali, w Allen, d Aug, '54: aged 58 yrs., 3 mos. 

and II days. 
" Sarah, \v Josei)h, d Sept. 25, '77; aged 86 yrs. 
" Sarah, w Joseph, b Jan. 6, '06; d Oct. l7, '85. 
■' Sarah, w Reuben G., b Mar. 14, '19; d June 15, 

ion. 

" Sarah, d Reul)en G. and Sarah B., d Aug, 27, '66; 

in her 16th year. 
" Svlvia, w Peter, d Jan. 27, '63; aged 71 yrs., 11 

mos, and 11 days. 
'■ Thomas P. Cooper, son J. K. and C. L., d P^eb, 

15, '60; aged 9 mos. 
" Tolitha, d lUias and Abigail, d Feb. 8, '45; aged 

12 yrs., 11 mos. and 4 days, 
■' Townsend, d Aug. 8, '57; aged 22 yrs., 2 mos. 

and 10 days. 
'' Walter, son J. K. and C. L,, d May 3, '56; aged 

14 mos. 
" Walter H., son H. J. and Roselma. b Oct. 21. 

'77; d Dec. 25, 1909. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 141 

Co^sabooii, T^stelki May, dan. Lewis and Isadore, b May 

31, 1911; d June 7, 1911. 
CrandoU, Frederick, d Jan. 18, '99; aged 55 yrs. 
Creamer, Bertha, d Charles and Anna M., b May 21. '71- 
d July 14, '72. 
I; Charles O., b '30; d 95. 
'' PYederick, d June 26, 1906; aged 60 yrs. 

Georgianna, \y Frederick, d Mar. 31, 1905; aged 
45 yrs. 
Dinofa, infant of IvOuis: aged 2 yrs. 
Dole, Warren, son William and Sallie, b Apr. 1, '81; d 

July 16, '81. 
Drexel, Frederick, b Apr. 14, '26; d Mar. 29, '92. 

Mary A., w Frederick, b June 30, '30; d Oct. 14, 
'90. 
Karl, Rebecca, ^v William, d Mar. 31, '53; aged 62 3^rs,, 

2 mos. and 3 days. ' 

Edwards, Rebecca. 
Eisenhart, John, b Oct. 24, '2%\ d July 28, '%?). 

Letitia, w John, b Mar, 20, '19; d May 12, '98. 
Eldridge, Edwin B., son Joseph and Pamelia, d May 23, 
'98; in his 25th year. 
George W., son George W. and Roselma, d Oct. 

14, '94; aged 1 day. 
Mary, dau. William S. and Margaret. 
Pamelia, w Joseph, d Dec. 22, '97; in her 61st 

year. 
Roselma. w George W., d Apr. 24, '07; aged 32 
years. 
Entrikin, Emeliiie, w Francis, d Aug. 20, 74; in her 
49th year. 
Francis M., d May 2Z, '88; in his 67th year. 
French. Isaac, d May 29. '52; aged 40 yrs., 3^ mos. and 
•16 days. 



142 THE HISTORY OF PETHRSEURfi, X. J. 

French, Rebecca Ann. \v Isaac, d Atiii', 23, "7(^; aged 43 

yrs, 6 nios and 23 days. 
Gandy. David, b Jan 1, '12; d vSept. 15, 19n3. 

" David, son David and Maria, b Julv9, "42; d Oct. 
cS. '45 
John Wesley, son David and Maria, b June 22, ^35: 
d June 14. 1S46. 
" Maria. \v David, d Dec. 12, 1902: aged 91 yrs, 
Gannone, Louis, son Tony and Priscilla. 
Garron, Clara, dau. Thomas and Martha. 
John, son Thomas and Mfirtha. 
Thomas, son Thomas and Martha. 
Gibbs. Anna May, dan. William and Martha, b 1902; d 

1909. 
Garretson. Sarah. \v Joshua, d July IS^ "47; aged 67 

years. 
Godfrey. Amy. w Enoch T., d Aug. 14. '74; aged 59 yrs, 
5 mos. and 12 da\s. 
Annabel, dau. Somers C. and Lydia, d Mar. 

15, '45; aged 4 yrs and 10 days. 
Charles S., d July 25, '53, in his 43d year. 
Deborah, w Jesse, d Sept. 5, '18; aged 38 yrs. 1 
mo. and 6 dars. 
■' Eliza, w CliarlesS., b Sept. 10, '17; d Xov. 27, 

'87. 
■' Elniina. w Gilbert, b Jan. 12, '20; d Sept. 24, '86. 
Enoch T., d Apr. 17, '72; aged 94 yrs, and 2 mos. 
" Gilbert, b May 23, '35. 
" Jesse, b '01; d '80. 
" Je>se C, d Sept; 29, '41; aged 22 yrs, 3 mos. and 

29 days. 
" Letitia. w Peter, d Apr. 15, 1907; in her 75th 

year. 
'■ Peter, d Sent. 26. '99; in his 69th year. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 143 

Phebe, w Jesse C, b Jul_v 20, '20; d ]pu. 10, '57. 
vSomersC, son Somers C. and Lydia, d July 6, 
'48; aged 2 yrs., 4 raos and 20 days. 
Green, Jesse, d Aug. 9, '83: aged 80 yrs. 

William, son Jesse and Mary A,, d Jan 17, '70; 
aged 21 yes., 2 nios. and 25 davs. 
'• Groom. Lenward, b Xov. 26, '96: d Apr. 22, 
191-2. 
Hand, Mary, d 1900. 

Hathorn, James, b July 1, 1793; d Jan 19, '29. 
Harrison, Anna S., d Oct. 3, '83; in her S2 year. 
Hemsley, John A , son Willi.am and Mary .1., d Aug. 
31, '56; aged 1 month. 
Ruleph, son William and ^laryj.. d Sept. 15, '70; 
aged 1 mo. and 3 days. 
1^ Mary J., w William, d Apr. 30, 1913, ai:ed 86 yrs. 
William, d Xov. 5, '78; aged 54 yrs. 
Hess, Amanda, b Xov. 13, '36; d Sept." 21, '38, 
y^ Elizabeth, w James, d Apr. 25, 1900. 

Charles C, son William and Hannah, b X'ov. 29, 

'42; d Sept. 27, 1904, 
Hannah, w William, b Feb, 11, '07; d Mav 13, 

'85. 
Jame^, d Aug. 23, '76, aged 43 yrs. 
Mary, w Charles C, b Jan 4, '45: d Dec. 19, '95. 
William, b Feb 5, 1805; d Mav 25, '77. 
Hewitt. Edwin, b June 9, '61. d Mar. 9, 1904. 

James \'.. son lulwin ana Lizzie, b Aug. 6, '84; d 
Aug. 9,- '84. 
Hoff, Almira, w Angus, d Aug, 14, "95; aged 52 yrs. 
Angus D., d June 12, 1911: aged 69 yrs. 
Delena, dau. Angus and Almira. 
Hannah, dau, George and Ada. b Feb, 2, '86; d 
• June 23. '03. 



141 THE HISTORY OF PKTKRSBURG, X. J. 

Hoff. Josephine. (Uiit. Angus and Ahnira. 

■ Mary, w Peter B , b '21: d "86. 
Mary S. . dan. \ng:us and Ahnira. 

•■ Peter B.. n "18; d '86. 

Peter 1'., son Angus and Ahnira. 
Rose. dan. George \\\ and Ada. 

■ W'ilham. son Peter and ^lary, b '45: d '70. 
Homan. Ann. w Andrew, b July 17. 1790; d Feb. 5. '63. 

■' James, d Jan. 10, 'S2: in his 78th year. 

Rachel. \v Watson d about '48. 
'■ Rebecca. \v James, d Nov. 1. 1901, in her S4th 

year. 
" Sarah, w Seth. d Jan 4. 1913. aged 87 years. 
Seth. d Apr. 1, 93, aged 61 yrs. 
Watson, ct about '55. 
IngersoU. James, b Oct. 19, '58: d Jan. 25, 1909. 
Jarmin. Eleanor B.. w Richard, d May 7, '94: aged 60 
yrs. 
" Richard, d Jan. 24. '90: aged 58 yrs. 
" Sylvia, dau. Richard and Eleanor. 
Li.tle, ivina. dau. James and Mary, b Jan. 24. ^83: d 
Sept. 12, 91. 
*' Mary P., w James, b Jan. 15. "44; d Oct. 9, 1904. 
Liopincott. Jennie, dau. Levi and Rebecca, d Aug. 27. 
1883; aged 12 yrs and 1 mo. 
" • Rebecca, w Levi, d Aug. 12. '83. aged 33 yrs. 
and 7 mos. 
Mjrgison, Rinaldo G., son William and Ahce, b P'eb. 

24. '11: d Apr. 20. 11. 
Mickel, Ida, w Holhs P., b Jan 27, '58; d Aug. 24, '89. 
•' Joseph J., bDec. 25, '18; d Jan. 2, '87. 
'' Joseph, son of Joseph J. and Roxanna. 
" Roxanna. w Jos. J., b Oct. 23, '17; d Oct. 7, 1902. 
Morris, Judith, dau. los. and Julia: b Aug. 12, '49; d '78. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 145 

Oram, Aaron, son Hnyh and Letitia, b Aug-. 30, "45; 

d Xov, 11, '51. 
Parsons, Infant sou Lewis and Genevra, 
Robb, Tolitha C. b Xov. 14, 31; d May 1. 1902. 
Robbins. Anna E., d I'eb. 1. 190S; aged 73 yrs. 
Rodan. Kvaline, av Jonas, d Dec. 13, '73; aged 44 yrs , 

10 mos. and 27 davs. 

■■ Harry; son D. and r',, b July 19. '71; dMayi3,*80. 
Jonas, d Jan. 29, '96: aged 69 yrs., 7 mos. and 26 

days 
Phoebe T.. d Jonas, d July 10. "73: aged^ 22 yrs. 

11 mos. 

Ross, Thomas, d Feb. 9, 1901; aged 69 yrs. 
Two infant daus. William and Jennie. 
Sack, Alice A., aau. L. and C. L.. b 1901; d 1902. 
'" Annabel, w Josiah. d Oct. 24. 1911: aged 61 yrs. 
'■ David, b June 30, "IS: d Jan. 4, "90. 

I^hiora, d Hiram and Mary, d about '97: as^ed 1 

yr. and 6 mos. 
George L,, d Oct. 24. '77: aged 25 yrs.. 4 mos. 
and 6 days, 
"■ Hannah, w David, b Jan. 10. '20: d Sept. 15, '92. 
Jacob, d Xov. I4, 'S2: aged 66 yrs. 
Josiah, d Sept. 13. 1912; aged 64 yrs. 
Julia, w Jacob, d July 16, 'SO; aged 57 yrs. 
Schenck. Eb"zabeth, d April. 1909. 
Schurch, Samuel, d Aug. 24, 1911: aged 64 yrs. 
Sharp. Chester, son Alfred A. and Carrie, b 19C7: d 
1907. 
-' Enoch, b Aug. 8. '26: d Jan. 19, '82. 
" Patil. Infant son Paul and Mattie. b Oct. 1906: d 

Mar. 1907. 
'' Sara J., w Enoch, b ' 2S: d 1911. 
Sliaw. Thomas, infant son Thomas. 



1-16 THK HTSTOKS- f>V PI; TT- RSBURl , . X. T. 

Sinir»>oii. Albert \'., b Sept. 2S, '37; d Dec. 24. 1909. 

J^lijah, 1) Max- 29. '67: aged 65 vrs,. 7 mos. and 
14 days.. 
'• ]{]izabetii H., \v Albert \'., b ]iine 22, '46: d Sei»t 
7, '92. 
Roxanna, w Elijah, d Aug- 23, '41: ag-ed 37 yrs., 
4 mos. and 15 da\'s. 
" Sarah, w William, b Nov. 8, '25; d Dec. 14, 1906. 
Smith. Adelaide, w Le\vis, in her 69th 3'ear. 

Anna Y.. daii Lewis and Adelaide, d Jan 4. '60: 

aged 3 >-rs. and 7 mos. 
Cornelia, w Cornelius, b '39: d Nov. 12, '93. 
Hlmer, d June 1, '84: a^^ed 72 yrs. 
ICloise, \v James S., Dec, 25. '90: aged 25 yrs. 
Harriet, w Klmer, d June 3. '87: aged 71 yrs. 
Infant son James S. and Kloise, d Dec. 1, '90. 
Lewis, son Lewis and Adelaide, d Aug. 23, '67: 

aged 4 mos. 
Lewis, d Sept. 16, '76; in his 50th year. 
Lewis T., son Lewis and Adelaide, d July 27, 
'69; aged 11 mos. and 18 days. 
" Martha P., dan. Elmer and Harriet, b '37: d 1905. 
" Walter, son R. Y. and L. T., b Aug 16, '85; d 
Sept. 13, 1906. 
Springer, Child of Richard and Florence. 
Steelman, Edna, dau. Benjamin R. and Hannah T., d 
Apr. 24. '84: aged 1 yr.. 5 mos. and 18 days. 
Ellis, son Jonas, d '75; aged 17 yrs. 
Franklin, son Janas, d '75; aged 17 yrs. 
Howard vSomers, son Benjamin R. and Hannah, 
d Jan. 23, '92: aged 4 ^-rs., 4 mos. and 15 days. 
Jonas, d '72; aged 58 yrs. 

Leroy Manlief, son Benjamin R. and Hannah, >\ 
Nov. 29. '91; aged 6 vrs.. <^' mos. and 25 davs. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 147 

Steeliiuin. Maggie, dan. Joiias and Aleliiida, d 75; aged 
13 year^. 
" Manlief, b Oct. 5, '17; d Feb. 22. "99. 

Rlioda. dan. Jonas and Melinda, d '81: aged 15 

yrs. 
\W\rren, son Jonas and Melinda, d '75; aged 6 
yrs. 
Stephenson, Aaron, b May 10, '08: d June 21, '72. 
" Kli, b May 19, 1773; d Jan. 25, '56. 

Harriet, w Learning, d May 17, '71; aged 2S yrs., 

11 mos. and 18 days 
Leaining, son Learning and Harriet, d Oct, 10, 

'73; aged 8 mos. and 10 days. 
-Martha, w x\aron, 1) Oct. 5, '13; d Feb. 3. 1900. 
'' Plioebe, w Kb', b Apr. 22, 1786; d about '12. 

Thomas C, son Learning and Harriet, d Jul}' 3i, 
'97, aged 35 \rs. 
Stokely, lUlen, w John, d Tan. 2i, i90i; aged 81 yrs. 

John, d .\pr. 23, '89; aged 75 yrs, 
Taylor, Infant of John and Julia Etta. 
Tomlin, Robert M., d Aug 3, '96. 

Town send, Martha, d Nov. 8, '80; aged 73 yrs., 8 mos. 
and 24 days. 
" Rachel, b June i8; '3i; d May 3, l908. 

Richard, d Feb i4, '72; aged 64 yrs. and 2i da\'S. 
VanGilder, Amelia, dau. David aad Mary, d Jan. 7, 
'58; aged i yr., ii mos. and i2 days. 
Cornelia, w Leroy, d Aug. 7, i909; aged 27 yrs. 
Corrina, dau. Franklin and Mary, d vSept. i, '68; 
aged 4 mos. 
■' David, b vSept. i5, '2i; d Mar. 22, '64. 
Elizabeth; w FTederick, d Aug. 20, i902; aged 73 yrs. 
and 2 mos. 
Kzekiel, b July 2, i780; aged 70yrs., 4 mos. and 9d. 



148 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG. X. J. 

WmGilder. Florence, dau. Ezekiel and Racliel K.. d 

March vV '76; aged 7 mos, and 8 days. 
Franklin, son Warren and Rhoda A., d Mar. 4. 

'39; aged 1 yr., 5 nios. and 27 days. 
Franklin, d Mar. 1. '98; in his 58th year. 
Frederick, d Jan. 13. '83: aged 66 yrs. and 4 nios. 
Infant dau. Isaac and Mary. 
Infant son Isaac and Mar}-, 
Infant of Thomas and Mary, d June 2. '38. 
Isaac, d Aug.. 19, *84: figt d 66 yrs. 
John, b Aug. 23, '09: d Jan. 9. "'92. 
Learning, d Apr. 27. 1903. aged 66 yrs. 
Levi, d Mar. 13. '69: aged 57 yrs, 8 mos and 23 

days. 
Livia. dau Franklin and Marv. b Xov. 2S, '71: d 

Feb. 16. '85. 
Livia. w Levi, d Aug. 25, '81: aged 64 vrs., 6 

mos. ?nd 20 days. 
Mary, w I{zekiel, b Oct. 16. 1782. aged 67 yrs., 

11 mos. and 3 days. 
^Liry, w David, d Xov. 26. 1902: aged 76 yrs. 
Mary R., w Isaac, d July 16, '95: aged 66 yrs. 
Phebe Amy, b Sept. 12, '18: d Mar. 28, '41. 
Rogers, son Washington and Allie. d Apr. 30, 

'97; aged 1 \r. , 9 mos. and 18 davs. 
Serena, w Leaming, d Feb. 12. 1907; aged 71 yrs. 
Sophie, dau. William R. and Fva, b June 21, '86: 

d Oct. 20. '91. 
Thaddeus, b Apr. 6, '31: d Jan. 3, '81. 
Thomas, d Sept. 14. '78: aged 76 yrs. 
A'ictorinne. dau David and Marv. d June 18, '54: 

aged 2 yrs.. 5 mos. and 18 days. 
Washington, d Sept. 13, '42: aged 41 years and 

11 davs. 



RECORD OF BURIALS 149 

Vannaiiian, Infant of Ktta. 

A'ansant, Rev. James, b Nov. 9, '16; d Mar. 18, '98. 
'• Rachel, w Rev. James, d Nov. 12. '92, in her 

66th year. 
'■ Mary Ann. w Rev, Jame<. d May 1. 1904; aged 
7 .5 y rs . 
Voss, Caroline, w PMward. d Dec. 14. "65: aged 51 yrs. 
and 10 mos. 
" Edward, d Mar. 16. "90; aged 85 yrs. 
•■ Elizabeth, \v Richard, b Xov 27. '49; d Nov. 29. 
1902. 
Ward. Ann. w Georo-f-, d '96; aged 81 yrs. 

■ (Veorge, d '86; aged 75 yrs. 

• John, d May 11. 1908; aged 48 yrs. 
"' William, son John, aged 1 yr. 
Weatherbv, Letitia. w Richard, b Pec. 13. 1795: d July 
28. 1864. 
'• Richard, d Dec. 9, "73: aged 64 yrs.. 8 mos. and 
21 days. 
Williams. David, d June 17. 'S5: aged S6 yrs. 

Feederick. son David and Sarah, b Dec. 11. '37; 
d Sept. 11, '3S. 
" James, b Feb. 28. 1793; d July 2/. '73. 
•■ James, b May 13. "24: d Oct. 29. 74. 
'• Mary. \v James, d Jan. 31. '51: aged 60 yrs., 2 

mos and 18 days. 
"* Sara, w David, d Feb. 24. '75: aged 68 yrs.. 10 
24 and days. 
Young. Alexander. >on \A'. V. and :M, G., d June 16. 
'82; aged 12 davs. 

■ Allison, d Oct. 15. '83; aged 72 vrs.. 6 mos. and 

1 5 davs. 

■ A. Townsend. d Feb. 26. 1902. 

•' Arfabella. w Willis, d Xov. 27. 1907; aged 74 vrs. 



150 THE HISTORY OF PETERSBURG. X. J. 

Young, Arrabelld. dan. W. A', and M. G.. d Aug'. 29. 

"SS: aged 3 yrs. 
Bentley W'., d Nov. 2. 19o7. 
Hattie A., dau. Stephen T. avid Margaret, b Apr. 

6. "76: d Tune 10. '76. 
Infant son W. V. and M. O.. d Mar. 18. '80; aged 

1 day. 
Margaret, w Stephen T., d Sept. 24. 1903: aged 

53 yrs. 
Mar^^dau. A. Townsend and Anna, b Feb. 23. 

'65: d Aug. 20. "69. 
PrisciHa, w Allison, d Apr. 25. '67; aged 54 yrs, 

and 25 days. 
Sarah, w Klmer. d Jnly 2, "51, aged 42 yrs. 
Stephen T , d Aug. 25. 1912: aged 72 yrs. 
Walter, son A. Townsend and Annp. b Aug 1, 

'61: d Aug. 30. "61. 
Williv. d Jan. 13. 'S2: in his 55th year. 

Besides the foregoin.g there are apparent tAvent^-one 
graves which are unidentified. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Aborigine^, The 5 

Baptist Church, The 87 

Blake Family. The. 48 

Butler Famiiv. The 49 

California Mills. The 118 

Camp Family. The 48 

Civil War. The. 100 

Corner Store. The 119 

Corson Family, The 29 

Creamer Family. The, 47 

Creamer's Mill 117 

Discoverers- --The Proprietors. The 7 

Drexel Family. The. 53 

F>rly Settlement 10 

Eldridge Family, The. 51 

Epworth League, The, 86 

Extract from Assessor's Duplicate for 1819 112 

Gandy Family, The 53 

Godfrey Family. The 44 

Hess Family. The 46 

Highways, The 104 

Hoff Family . The 49 

Imp'd Order of Red Men, The Ill 

Lower Bridge, The 114 

Mackev Famiiv. The 19 

Mackey's Mill'. 116 

Mail Sen-ice. The. 109 

Marriage Records. 128 

Meadow Bank. The 115 

151 



152 THE HISTORY OF PI:TKKSBTRG, X. J. 

PACK 

Mickel Family, Tlie 38 

Old Landing. The 115 

Petersburg- M. E. Sunday School. The •. . 84 

Philadelphia vStore. Tlie 119 

Prices of Merchandise in 1822, 113 

Public vSchool. The 88 

Railroad, The, IK, 

Records of Burials in Petersburg Churchyard 135 

Residences 1 21 

Revolutionary War, The, 93 

Simpson Family, The 50 

Smith's Mill, /. 116 

Stephenson Family, The 52 

Tomlin Family, The, 40 

Townsend Family, The 46 

Upper Bridge, The 115 

VanGilder Family, The 23 

VanGilder's Store ,118 

War of 1812-14, The, 97 

Weslev M. E. Church, The, 55 

Williams Family, The 42 

Young Familv, The 12 



